DHAKA:  Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud said the government did not ban broadcast of any foreign television channels in Bangladesh.

The minister said “We have not asked anyone to stop transmission of any foreign TV channel. The government just implemented the current law. As per subsection-19 (13) of the Cable Television Network Act-2006, no advertisements can be broadcast through foreign TV channels in Bangladesh. Not only local advertisements, advertisements of any type cannot be aired.”

Asked why two Indian TV channels (Zee Bangla and Zee Cinema) are not broadcast? The minister replied broadcast is only allowed without advertisement. They’re broadcasting with advertisement, which is flouting the law.

He added that such laws are obeyed in India, UK, USA and other European. 

He said the government issued the show cause notices for two operators on April 1, demanding explanations why they were airing advertisements defying the government order and causing huge loss to Bangladeshi TV channels. 

BDST:  2136 HRS, APRIL 2, 2019

AH/SMS