Demand to shut down Indian TV channels to prevent anti-national propaganda

Noman Sabit: A New York–based human rights organization, Patriots of Bangladesh (POB), has demanded the suspension of Indian television channels in Bangladesh to prevent what it describes as anti-Bangladesh propaganda. On Monday (December 29), leaders of the organization submitted a memorandum to the Bangladesh Consulate in New York on this issue.

POB Chairman Abdul Qader handed over the memorandum to the Consul General of Bangladesh. Senior journalist Chowdhury Mohammad Kajol and other members of the organization were present at the time.

Indian television channels have been broadcasting in Bangladesh unilaterally for a long time. While earning substantial profits from this access, they regularly engage in harsh rhetoric against Bangladesh and Bangladeshis. Many of their programs run counter to the social values of the people of Bangladesh. On the other hand, Bangladeshi television channels are not broadcast in India, not even in Kolkata.

Speaking at the memorandum handover ceremony, Abdul Qader said, “Now Indian YouTubers have also become involved in anti-Bangladesh propaganda. They do not hesitate to make derogatory remarks about our Chief Adviser and other political figures. They are continuously trying to destabilize our society. The various political talk shows and cultural programs they broadcast are misleading our youth and promoting moral degradation. We believe that the current rise in violence, terrorism, and instability in Bangladesh is also influenced by Indian cultural decadence.”

He added, “We know that Hindu fundamentalists are currently ruling India, and the lives of religious minorities there are severely threatened. As the terrorist activities of Indian Hindutva extremists continue to increase day by day, there is concern that these influences may also spread to neighboring Bangladesh.”

Journalist and columnist Chowdhury Mohammad Kajol said, “The way Dipu Chandra Das was burned to death is not part of Bangladesh’s culture. Such incidents have occurred many times in India in the past, but not in Bangladesh. The killing of minorities and the demolition of places of worship of religious minorities happen in India. These have never happened in Bangladesh. We believe that if Indian television channels and YouTubers are not brought under control, such cultural degradation and violent incidents will increase further in Bangladesh. Therefore, we appeal to the Honorable Chief Adviser, members of the Advisory Council, and the Government of Bangladesh to take strict action before these inhuman acts and cultural decay spread widely in the country.”

He further said that in the past the Bangladesh government has shown considerable leniency on this issue. “We no longer want to see such leniency. In the interest of the country and its people, the government must take action now,” Kajol said.

Others who spoke on the occasion included POB members Dipon Gazi, Syed Naim, Ali Ahmed Kasemi, Mashiur Rahman Liton, Bulbul Ahmed, Ruhul Khan, and photographer Nihar Siddique. Consul General Mohammad Mozammel Haque listened to their statements and assured them that the memorandum would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities.

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BP/SM