“The timeframe for stopping such advertisement expired yesterday (Sunday). So, the deputy commissioners have been asked to conduct mobile courts against those cable operators that flout the law,” he said.
The minister came up with the remarks at a press conference at his ministry at the Secretariat.
Besides, he said, the mobile court will work to make sure that the cable operators are keeping the BTV and other Bangladeshi private television channels in the first segment of the cable serial as per the date of starting their transmission.
The minister also said BTV must be kept in number one serial.
He also said cable TVs cannot air cinemas or advertisements locally. “This rule must be followed from today (Monday). Otherwise, action would be taken through mobile courts.”
Mahmud said two organisations -- Jadu Media and Nation Wide -- had been served notice earlier to stop televising advertisements in foreign channels.
“They were also given an ultimatum after the deadline sought by them is over. The ultimatum expired yesterday (Sunday). That’s why mobile courts will be conducted across the country from today (Monday),” the minister said.
He said mobile courts can award up to two-year jail term and fine up to Tk 2 lakh those cable operators violate the rules and law.
The Information Minister also said airing local advertisements in foreign channels has been decreased than in the past. “But broadcasting foreign advertisements in foreign channels here is also not lawful.”