Protests against local advertisement in foreign TV channels postponed

Media Unity, a platform of TV station owners and professional units of the stations, has postponed its protests after getting government assurance to stop airing advertisement of Bangladeshi products in foreign channels.

Its Convener Ekattor TV CEO Mozammel Babu announced the postponement at a press conference at Dhaka Club on Saturday when Faridur Reza Sagar announced he would stop airing local advertisement in foreign channels.

Media Unity launched the protests on Nov 5 alleging tens of millions of taka was 'smuggled out' of the country by airing of local advertisements on foreign channels.

The protesters had pointed their fingers at Impress Telefilm owned by Faridur Reza Sagar who is also the Managing Director of Channel-i while making the allegation.

Responding to the allegation, Sagar filed a defamation suit against Babu and ATN Bangla Managing Director Mahfuzur Rahman, for alleging calling him 'cultural Razakar'.

At Saturday's press conference, Sagar announced to stop airing local advertisements in foreign channels.

He also said the 'misunderstanding' has been settled and he will withdraw the case.

Prime Minister's Information Adviser Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, Media Unity Adviser Beximco Group Vice-Chairman Salman F Rahman, NTV Chairman and Managing Director Mosaddek Ali, Channel News 24 CEO Nayeem Nizam, among others, were present at the press conference.