The Proposed Restrictions on

Bangladeshi Television

Md. Mahbubul Haque OsmaniLecturer, MSJ, ULAB

Under the BNP regime (2001-2006), the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) allocated broadcasting frequency to ten TV channels, of which six were shut down later by the AL-led government (2008-2013).

Shut Down Scenario

After being in operation for two years, on

August 29, 2002, ETV was shut down by the then ruling party BNP

Again, its official transmission started 29 March 2007

During last caretaker government, on September 6, 2007, BTRC officially shut down transmission of the channel CSB

Broadcasting news that goes against that interim govt.

Channel 1 stopped on

April 27, 2010

Broadcasting news that goes against the ruling Awami League government.

Founder Giasuddin Al Mamun is known as a close associate of BNP chief Khaleda Zia's son Tarique Rahman.

Shut down on 7 may 2013 Airing provocative

program to whip up public sentiment (Hefazot Islam).

A concern of Diganta Media Corporation, owned by Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mir Quasem Ali, a war crimes suspect now on the run.

Shut down on 7 may 2013

Airing provocative program to whip up public sentiment (Hefazot Islam).

Founder late Sayeed Eskander, younger brother of the BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

On 6 August the government published a gazette on the National Broadcast Policy-2014

National Broadcast Policy-2014

Misinformation or distorted truth is strictly prohibited in discussion or talk shows

Military, civil and public information that may compromise state security can't be broadcast;

Anything demeaning armed forces, law enforcement agencies and government officials who can punish people for criminal offenses can't be broadcast;

Highlighting Features of the Approved Policy

Addresses of the head of the government and the state, health and weather messages must be broadcast properly

Mutiny, chaos, violent incidents which may affect public interests can't be aired

Highlighting Features of the Approved Policy

Dead bodies of murders, accidents and suicides can't be broadcast;

Ban on broadcasting anything that may hamper friendly relations with foreign countries;

Spirit of Liberation War must be upheld in news and programs

Highlighting Features of the Approved Policy

Respect should be shown to all religious sentiments;

Liberation War and Language Movement can't be included in commercial advertisement;

Mandatory screening of advertisement about nutrient values of food and beverages.  

Highlighting Features of the Approved Policy

Criticism started after the cabinet's approval of the Policy

Stakeholders, experts on talk shows and general public in the social media are talking about the repressive intentions hidden in the clauses of the policy.

National Broadcast Policy-2014

Not be able to know: - the role of RAB in the seven murder case at Narayanganj (anything demeaning to the armed forces can't be broadcast)

Proposed Restrictions

Role of RAB at Narayanganj

The tragic incident like BDR mutiny or Hefazate Islam clash would not be aired at all (mutiny, chaos, violent incidents which may affect public interests can't be aired)

Proposed Restrictions

BDR Mutiny

Protesting of Hefazate Islam

Protesting of Hefazate Islam

The border killing by BSF, probably, would not be reported (ban on broadcasting anything that may hamper friendly relations with foreign countries)

Proposed Restrictions

Killing by BSF

Corruptions or violating human rights by police would not be aired (Can’t broadcast which causes mockery or derogatory remarks against a military or law enforcing officer, mockery of government officials who works against crime)

Proposed Restrictions

Corruptions of Police

Human Rights Violation by Police

Undefined licensing policy:- political inclination with the government is the only criterion for getting license

The policy could not provide a clear guideline in licensing policy

National Broadcast Policy 2014

Competitive advertising market has compelled broadcast hours to be cheaper.

The policy said nothing about the commercial/program ratio in the prime time and non-prime time hours.

National Broadcast Policy 2014

It seems the government is concerned more about its own security, and wants a docile media community self-censoring themselves and less bothered about freedom of expression.

National Broadcast Policy 2014