BM Report:
In a move to curb illegal broadcasting activities, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced stricter regulations. Henceforth, government-approved domestic and foreign TV channels will only be accessible through legitimate cable and DTH operators.
This decision comes after a meeting held at the Ministry’s Secretariat on Tuesday. State Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Mohammad Ali Arafat, led the discussion alongside State Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Junaid Ahmed Palak. Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Humayun Kabir Khondkar, Chairman of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, Mohiuddin Ahmed, and officials from both ministries were also present.
Arafat emphasized the legality of authorized cable and DTH operators in delivering government-approved channels. He declared illegal broadcasting a punishable offense and warned of legal action against those involved. “The government will take legal action to stop this illegal activity,” Arafat stated, highlighting the financial losses incurred due to illegal operations. He further elaborated on the negative consequences, including money laundering and threats to national security.
The State Minister also addressed the disruption caused by illegal broadcasting to the implementation of the clean feed initiative, a program aiming to restrict advertising on foreign channels. He reiterated the government’s commitment to implementing this law, believing it benefits the Bangladeshi people. Arafat condemned those who circumvent the clean feed system by using illegal set-top boxes to broadcast channels with advertisements. He vowed to take legal measures through the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and BTRC to stop these practices.
Palak, the State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, echoed Arafat’s concerns. He pledged to intensify operations against the marketing and import of illegal set-top boxes. “We want to send a strong message that no one should illegally import set top boxes and market them,” Palak declared. He emphasized the detrimental impact of such activities on national security, revenue generation, money laundering, and the preservation of Bangladeshi art, culture, and values.
The meeting concluded with a unified stance from both ministries. They vowed to tackle illegal broadcasting and its associated issues through stricter regulations and collaborative efforts.
