The government is trying to bring discipline in television broadcasting sector so that no one can air local television commercials on foreign television channels. However, some locally produced advertisements are still being aired on some foreign TV channels in violation of the regulation. Strict action will be taken against those involved in airing local advertisement in foreign channels.
Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud came up with the statements while addressing the launching ceremony of DTH service ‘AKASH’, organised by BEXIMCO at The Westin Dhaka on Thursday. He said there is no such example in the world that one country’s advertisements are aired on TV channels of other countries. Even if a country’s local channels are viewed in foreign countries, the authority discourages promoting local ads there.
“We have our own broadcasting law that was formed in 2006, but it was not implemented,” the information minister said, adding, “But if anyone violates this rule after July, they will have to face punishment as per the rules.” “AKASH DTH will play a vital role in implementing the Broadcast Act. It will increase revenue collection and remove the cable hazards. DTH technology will also be helpful in preventing the advertisements in foreign TV channels as well as it ensures improved sound and picture quality in TV programmes,” he went on saying.
He said Direct to Home (DTH) service will help bring discipline in the country’s broadcasting sector and reach broadcast services at the doorsteps of marginal people. The information minister went on saying the refuses of cables are often found in the city streets and once DTH service is widely introduced the garbage of wires would be removed. “People would be able to watch TV programmes applying DTH service, without facing any trouble,” he added.
He said frequently quarrels arise over the cutting of dish cables in the country and the newly introduced DTH service will help bring down such disputes.
Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi was present at the function as special guest. He said, “DTH Akash has brought the dream of Digital Bangladesh one step forward. The technology should reach every corner of the country so that people can be benefitted from Bangabandhu Satellite-1. This wireless technology will ensure information and entertainment service in remote areas.”
According to Beximco Communications Limited, although the country has a high TV penetration, the people have had no freedom to enjoy the perks of DTH technology so far. AKASH, the first and only legal DTH operator in the country, for the time being, aims at changing the game and taking the Pay TV industry of Bangladesh to a new era of excellence.
Bangladesh, as the 57th satellite country in the world, made it possible for Beximco Communications, as AKASH, to provide DTH service through the very own satellite of the nation, Bangabandhu Satellite-1. The service will be commercially available from May 19, at authorized retails in 20 Districts – Dhaka, Mymensingh, Tangail, Kishoreganj, Narsingdi, Gazipur, Narayanganj, Manikganj, Cumilla, Noakhali, Feni, Cox's Bazar, Chattogram, Khagrachhari, Rangamati, Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Brahmanbaria and Sunamganj.
Salman F Rahman, private industry and investment adviser to the Prime Minister and vice chairman of Beximco Communications was also present at the event. DS Faisal Hyder, CEO of the company gave welcome speech while Shayan F Rahman, chairman of Beximco Communications gave vote of thanks at the event.