Legal Demand to Stop Romantic Dramas Sparks Widespread Protest
Seven major organizations in Bangladesh’s television industry have strongly protested a legal notice. This notice demands strict limits on making and showing films and dramas about love. The groups said stopping romantic dramas goes against the growth of creative arts.
The legal notice was sent by Supreme Court lawyer Mahmudul Hasan Mamun. He sent it to four government officials last Thursday. These included the Cabinet Secretary and the Chairman of the Bangladesh Film Censor Board.
The notice wants a complete halt to romantic films and dramas. It claims such content harms young people’s morals. It also says these shows make extramarital affairs seem normal. The notice blames these dramas for students not focusing on studies and an increase in crime. It asks for films and dramas based on science, education, history, and the Liberation War instead.
However, the seven protesting organizations said this demand caused deep worry. Many professionals, artists, and technicians in television feel concerned. They highlighted that Bangladesh’s TV and audio-visual industries help the country’s culture and economy. They believe creative freedom is very important. Artists must have the right to express themselves.
The organizations stated that if someone dislikes certain content, existing laws can handle it. They said stopping a whole type of content would put many jobs at risk. Countless people work in the television industry, both directly and indirectly.
Representatives from directors, actors, playwrights, and camera associations signed the protest statement. Other groups representing technical owners, assistant directors, and makeup artists also signed. They agreed that content should be responsible and of high quality. But they said a ban is not the right way to achieve this.
The lawyer’s notice mentioned parts of the Constitution. It said Article 39 allows for freedom of speech but also for limits based on morality. Article 23 speaks about protecting national culture. The notice gave the authorities 10 days to act. If no steps are taken, a lawsuit will be filed in the High Court.
