The Bangladesh Mobile Consumer Association (BMCA) has demanded freedom of streaming programmes of TV channels live on both internet or OTT platforms.
The association made the demand at a discussion titled "Consumers’ Right to Watch Live Television on OTT/Internet Platforms" held at a hotel in the capital’s Segunbagicha area on Saturday.
Bikarna Kumar Ghosh, former managing director of Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority at the ICT Division, stressed the importance of internet in the modern world of communication.
He said that free access of people to live television contents through internet and OTT platforms can play a great role in collective development of the society.
Emdadul Hoque, President of the Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB), highlighted the challenges stemming from unlicensed internet operators.
He also underscored the need for fostering a conducive environment for internet-based businesses.
Mohd Khalid Abu Naser, former director of the Bangladesh Competition Commission urged the authorities concerned to bring regulatory policy reforms to reap economic dividends by fostering a competitive digital ecosystem.
Mohiuddin Ahmed, President of the Bangladesh Mobile Consumer Association, said internet access has now become a fundamental human right globally, citing international resolutions and conventions in this regard. He also termed contradictory the government's goal of a digital nation and ban on live TV on over-the-top (OTT) platforms and called for prompt action to protect consumer rights.
Members of the executive committee of Bangladesh Mobile Consumer Association Advocate Sahida Begum and General Secretary Advocate Abu Bakar Siddique, among others, spoke at the programme.