News Desk
NEW YORK: A New York–based human rights organization, Patriots of Bangladesh (POB), has called for the suspension of Indian television channels in Bangladesh, citing concerns over what it described as anti-Bangladesh propaganda. Leaders of the group submitted a memorandum on the matter to the Bangladesh Consulate in New York on other day.
POB Chairman Abdul Qader handed the memorandum to the Consul General of Bangladesh. Senior journalist Chowdhury Mohammad Kajol and other members of the organization were present during the handover. Indian television channels have long been broadcast in Bangladesh without reciprocal access for Bangladeshi channels in India, including Kolkata.
While benefiting financially from this viewership, POB claims these channels frequently air content that is critical of Bangladesh and runs counter to the country’s social values. Speaking at the ceremony, Abdul Qader accused Indian YouTubers of joining in what he described as a campaign of anti-Bangladesh propaganda.
Qader they often made derogatory remarks about the country’s Chief Adviser and other political figures, attempting to destabilize society. “Their political talk shows and cultural programs mislead our youth and promote moral degradation,” he said. “We believe the current rise in violence, terrorism, and instability in Bangladesh is also influenced by Indian cultural decadence.”
Qader also warned of the influence of Hindu nationalist rule in India. He said religious minorities there face severe threats and that extremist activities by Indian Hindutva groups could spill over into Bangladesh.
Chowdhury Mohammad Kajol echoed these concerns, citing violent incidents in India that, he said, were incompatible with Bangladeshi culture. He referred to the killing of Dipu Chandra Das and said such acts, along with attacks on minorities and places of worship, had no precedent in Bangladesh.
Kajol argued that continued unchecked broadcasting by Indian channels and content creators risked fostering similar cultural degradation and violence in the country. He urged the Chief Adviser, the Advisory Council, and the Bangladesh government to act decisively. He criticized the government’s past leniency on the matter. “In the interest of the country and its people, the government must take action now,” he said.
Other POB members who spoke at the event included 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 the delegation that the memorandum would be forwarded to the relevant authorities.
