HC demands explanation over failure to block ‘Republic Bangla’ content

The High Court on Sunday issued a rule directing relevant government authorities to explain why they have not blocked the Indian satellite channel Republic Bangla’s content on Facebook, YouTube, and other social media platforms within Bangladesh, and why legal action against the channel has not been taken.

The bench of Justice Fahmida Quader and Justice Sayed Jahed Mansur passed the order following a writ petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer Md Mahmudul Hasan, who sought directives to take action against the channel.

The rule was issued to the secretaries of the Ministries of Information and Broadcasting; Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology; Foreign Affairs; and Home Affairs. It was also served on the ICT Division and the chairman of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC). These authorities have been asked to respond to the court’s query.

In the public interest litigation filed last year, the petitioner alleged that Republic Bangla was involved in a "criminal conspiracy" by airing content aimed at inciting communal unrest in Bangladesh and promoting the idea of India annexing the Chattogram division. He argued that such broadcasts threaten national security and public safety.

He further challenged the government’s failure to take legal action against the channel and called for judicial intervention.

Md Mahmudul Hasan personally presented his arguments before the High Court today.