A legal notice has been issued demanding strict restrictions on the production and broadcast of romance-focused dramas and films in Bangladesh, with the petitioner alleging that an excessive focus on love and romantic relationships is contributing to moral decline among young people and disrupting social balance.
Supreme Court lawyer Md Mahmudul Hasan Mamun issued the notice in the public interest on Thursday, 27 August.
The notice was sent to the Cabinet Secretary, the secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and the chairman of the Bangladesh Film Censor Board.
It also called for effective administrative measures to encourage the production and broadcast of films and dramas based on science, education, history, the Liberation War and national defence.
According to the notice, Bangladesh’s current film and television drama industry has seen an excessive concentration of romantic content.
The petitioner argued that this is creating a cultural imbalance and affecting young people and students’ focus on education and their careers.
The notice further alleges that extramarital affairs and relationships outside marriage are often portrayed as normal or attractive in dramas and films, which it claims could negatively influence established moral and family values.
In his legal argument, Mamun cited Article 21(1) of the Constitution, which states that citizens have a duty to observe the Constitution and laws and maintain discipline.
He also referred to Article 39, which guarantees freedom of speech and expression while allowing reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the interests of decency or morality.
The notice also cited Article 23, under which the state has a responsibility to preserve the country’s national culture and heritage.
The petitioner has specifically demanded strict restrictions on the production and broadcast of films and dramas centred primarily on romance.
In their place, he called for authorities to provide effective directions encouraging content based on science, education, history, the Liberation War and national defence.
The notice has given the concerned authorities 10 days to take the requested administrative measures.
It warned that legal action would follow if no steps were taken within the stipulated period.
