Dhaka: A lawyer defending the case of Channel 1 at the apex court has announced that there is currently no legal bar preventing the resumption of the channel’s broadcast. Barrister Md Ruhul Quddus Kazal made this statement after the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court granted a leave to appeal petition filed by Channel 1’s Managing Director, Md Giasuddin Al Mamun.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the apex court also stayed the efficacy of a notice issued by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) that had ordered the shutdown of the private television channel’s broadcasts. Barrister Kazal emphasized that this judicial decision means there are no longer any legal obstacles to Channel 1 resuming its broadcasting activities.
Channel 1’s frequency was initially shut down by the BTRC on April 27, 2010. The channel’s authorities have asserted that the shutdown was a result of political vengeance by the government in power at the time. The case subsequently progressed through the High Court and the Appellate Division, where the recent decision was reached.