Action soon against airing Bangladeshi adds in foreign channels: Hasan

Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today warned that actions would be taken from April 1 if any cable operator broadcasts Bangladeshi advertisements in foreign channels.

“As per the law, broadcasting Bangladeshi advertisements in foreign channels is illegal and a punishable offence,” he told at a roundtable meeting titled ‘Private Televisions are in Crisis’ organized by Broadcast Journalists Center (BJC) at an auditorium of Shilpakala Academy here.

Hasan, also the publicity and publication secretary of the ruling AL, said the income of the private TV channels will increase by Taka 300 crore to 500 crore if the related law is followed properly.

About the current problems in the private TV channels, the minister said, “Let’s work together to save the TV industry.”

Hasan said a big revaluation has taken place in Bangladesh’s media sector during the Awami League government under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheik Hasina. “She (Sheikh Hasina) gave first private TV license after assuming power in 1996. Now around 30 private TV channels are on air while 44 channels got licenses,” he added.

Along with the flourishing of the industry, the minister said, some problems have been created, including the fall in the advertisement and its rate in TV media. Now the industry needs combined efforts to sustain, he added.

He said the cable operators could play a vital role to address the problems and they will have to stop the Bangladeshi advertisements in the foreign channels. “The government has already issued notices three times in this regard . . . another notice will be given tomorrow. Actions would be taken from April 1, if they don’t stop broadcasting the advertisements. I hope that they will cooperate,” the minister added.

He said, “I’m working relentlessly for the betterment of the journalists after taking charge of the ministry. But I need all out supports from all stakeholders. It’s our responsibility to give protection to the journalists as they are the mirror of society.”

Hasan urged journalists not to broadcast any incident that affects the children and their mind.

DBC TV Chairman Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, former chief information commissioner Professor Dr Golam Rahman, News-24 Managing Director AK Azad, Bengal Communications Executive Director Absar Khayer Mithu and Sky Entertainment network CEO Nurul Alam, among others, addressed the meeting with BJC President Rezwanul Haque Raja in the chair.

Gazi TV Chief Editor Syed Ishtiaq Reza presented the keynote paper while BJC secretary general Shakil Ahmed conducted the programme.