DHAKA, April 11, 2019 (BSS) – Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today
urged cable operators to abide by the existing law of the country for
broadcasting foreign television channels.
“Cable operators have an important role in stopping advertisements on
foreign television channels… As per the law, advertisements would not be
aired in foreign television channels,” he told at a meeting of Cable
Operators Association of Bangladesh (COAB) in the conference room of the
Information Ministry here.
Hasan said, “We have discussed with Association of Television Channel
Owners (ATCO) to prepare a list of private television channels as per getting
serial of licenses. Cable operators must follow the list for airing TV
channels.”
“Digitization has become visible in all spheres of the society. But cable
networks are not digitized. Digitization of cable network is urgent for the
development of broadcasting sector,” the information minister added.
There are 6,000 cable operators in the country, he said adding, they
(cable operators) have vital role in airing both local and foreign channels.
Hasan said the government has already taken necessary initiatives to
stop airing advertisements in foreign television channels. He said, “We have
served notice to two organizations about using downlink for airing
advertisements in foreign television channels. They have replied seeking 15
days for informing us in detail.”
The two distributing organization must abide by the law to run their
businesses, he said, adding legal actions will be taken, if they violate the
law.
Hasan, also the publicity and publication secretary of the ruling Awami
League, said the government has given around 44 licenses for private TV
channels. Of those, around 33 channels are now running, he added.
There are legal restrictions in some countries including the UK, India
and Pakistan as well as in European continent on airing foreign
advertisements, he said, adding if any television in the UK airs foreign
advisement, it must pay taxes and fulfill conditions of their laws.
Members and leaders of Cable Operators Association of Bangladesh, among
others, were present at the meeting.