Social Media Broadcast Also Under Question
The High Court of Bangladesh has issued a rule (legal notice) asking why the Indian TV channel ‘Republic Bangla’ should not be banned in the country.
Hearing Held, Rule Issued
On Sunday, 22 June, the rule was issued by a High Court bench led by Justice Fahmida Khatun, after a primary hearing on a writ petition.
At the same time, the court also issued another rule asking the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to take action to stop the channel’s content on Facebook and YouTube.
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Petition Claims Channel Incites Religious Conflict
Earlier, lawyer Mahmudul Hasan filed a writ petition requesting a ban on Republic Bangla’s broadcast in Bangladesh.
In the petition, he claimed that the channel is trying to create conflict between Hindus and Muslims in Bangladesh. He urged the court to take quick steps to prevent any unrest and also asked for the rule to be issued.
Accusation of Separatist Conspiracy
The petition also alleged that the channel is involved in a criminal conspiracy and is trying to separate Chattogram (Chittagong) from Bangladesh. For this reason, the petitioner requested the court to direct BTRC to take action against the channel.
Six Officials Asked to Respond
The court has asked six top government officials to respond to the rule. These include:
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The Information Secretary
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The Telecommunications Secretary
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The Foreign Secretary
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The Home Secretary
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The Secretary of BTRC
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And one more related official
Source: Channel 24
