DHAKA, Oct 5, 2021 (BSS)- The leaders of Broadcast Journalists Center
(BJC), a platform of the country's broadcast journalists, today greeted
Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud for taking steps for
implementing ad-free (clean feed) foreign TV channels broadcasting.

  They greeted the minister while exchanging views at the meeting room of his
ministry at the Secretariat here.

  State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Murad Hasan was present
at the meeting.

   Hasan, also Awami League joint general secretary, extended thanks to the
BJC leaders for their stance, saying, "We are implementing the act for the
interest of the country, mass media, journalists, artists and other
performers who are linked with the media. The law exists across the globe."

  He said such types of acts have been executed in all neighbouring
countries. "But, on various excuses, a vested quarter didn't let us to
enforce the act in the country. I want to extend my thanks to all. Many
people's statuses in social media are in favour of the decision," he added.

  The minister said every journalist and television owner stood in favour of
the decision. Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists, Dhaka Union of
Journalists and even, the president of FBCCI gave a statement in favour of
the decision, he added.

   He said some people tried to spread confusion capitalizing on the issue,
but there is no scope of spreading confusion on this issue, he added. He said
Bangladesh Television (BTV) is broadcasted in India and Doordarshan is
broadcasted in Bangladesh.

   "Once, a programme titled 'Ithadi' was aired on BTV with advertisement.
Then, they stopped broadcasting of BTV in India and issued a notice to us,"
he added.

  The minister said, "Different groups raised voice against the act when it
was being implemented in Nepal...they (channel authorities) are now sending
the clean feed to Nepal."

   Hasan said, "There was group for advocacy in our country. The government
is determined to implement the act. And actions would be taken if anyone
tries to spread confusion. You all know that there are some channels which
come through clean feed. But, none ran the channels in the beginning. But,
later, many started to run those channels. We are giving time today. Mobile
court will be conducted from tomorrow."

  About Mass Media Employees Act and OTT (Over the Top) platform policy, the
minister said his ministry is working to pass the act soon and make a policy
for the OTT platform.

   Murad, in his speech, termed the step of implementing clean feed
broadcasting as a groundbreaking step.

   BJC president Rezwanul Haque Raja extended gratitude to the minister for
taking steps for implementing clean feed broadcasting. "We are with the
government. We will organize a roundtable meeting on this issue," he said.