Published : 13 Sep 2026, 09:51 PM
Updated : 16 Sep 2026, 11:50 AM
A writ petition has been filed with the High Court seeking directions to stop the production and broadcast of dramas and films focused solely on love and romance, citing the need to prevent the “moral degradation” of young people and ensure students remain focused on their studies.
Supreme Court lawyer Md Mahmudul Hasan Mamun filed the petition in the public interest on Sunday.
The Cabinet secretary, secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and chairman of the Bangladesh Film Certification Board have been made respondents.
The petition says the country’s film and drama industry is currently dominated by romantic and excessively romantic content, whose unrestricted broadcast is having a “serious negative impact” on society.
It alleges that mainstream productions are portraying issues such as extramarital affairs, adultery and rape as “normal”.
According to the petition, such content is distracting young people and students from their studies and contributing to social disorder.
Citing international news reports, the petitioner said such content can hinder the psychological development of young people and contribute to increased violence and crime against women in society.
The petition argues that although Article 39 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression, it is subject to reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the interests of decency or morality.
Content that undermines public morality cannot claim protection under the article, it says.
The petitioner also referred to relevant provisions of the Bangladesh Film Certification Act 2023 and the Cable Television Network Operation Act, arguing that the laws require content contrary to education, culture and social values to be prohibited.
Alongside seeking a ban on romance-focused content, the petition asks the court to issue mandatory directions for the production and broadcast of dramas and films on science, education, history, the 1971 Liberation War and defence.
The petitioner had earlier sent legal notices to the respondents on Aug 27 over the issue.
The petition says the case was filed in the public interest after no effective administrative action was taken within the stipulated period following the notices.
