A writ petition has been filed at the High Court seeking directives to halt the production and broadcast of films and television dramas based on love and romance, citing their alleged adverse impact on the moral development of young people, social order and students’ concentration on education.
The writ alleges that such content portrays adultery, extramarital relationships, fornication and rape as normal or glorified forms of conduct, thereby exerting a detrimental influence on the youth and contributing to social crime and disorder.
The petition states that the unrestricted production and broadcast of excessive romance-based content in the country’s film and television drama industry are having serious adverse effects on society. It alleges that mainstream media are presenting adultery, extramarital relationships, fornication and rape in a manner that normalises or glorifies such conduct.
Supreme Court lawyer Md Mahmudul Hasan Mamun filed the writ petition before the relevant branch of the Supreme Court on Sunday, 13 September. The Cabinet Secretary, Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Chairman of the Bangladesh Film Certification Board have been made respondents.
The petitioner further said that such content is causing young people and students to lose focus on their studies and careers. It also claims that the erosion of the country’s traditional moral framework is contributing to social disorder and anarchy.
Constitutional provisions invoked
The writ petition cites research-based reports published by international media outlets, including Hindustan Times, Daily Sabah and The New York Times. Referring to those reports, the petitioner claims that unrestricted romantic and provocative films have a serious adverse impact on the psychological development of young people and contribute directly to violence against women and crime.
The petitioner argues that Article 39 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of thought and conscience, and freedom of speech and expression, but permits reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the interests of decency or morality.
The writ says that content which undermines public morality or incites social crime cannot claim unrestricted protection under Article 39. It also invokes Article 23 of the Constitution, under which the preservation and development of national culture and heritage is a responsibility of the state.
Statutory provisions cited
The petition refers to Sections 5(2) and 8(1) of the Bangladesh Film Certification Act, 2023. It states that the competent authorities have a statutory duty to protect family and social values and to refuse certification to content that is contrary to such values.
It also cites Sections 19 and 20 of the Cable Television Network Operation Act, 2006, arguing that these provisions impose a legal obligation to prohibit broadcasts that are contrary to education, culture and social values or that cause psychological harm to young people.
The petitioner alleges that the respondents have continuously and deliberately failed to discharge their constitutional and statutory obligations, which, according to the writ, amounts to gross administrative negligence.
Directions sought for alternative content
The writ also seeks mandatory directions for the production and broadcast of films and dramas based on science, education, history, the Liberation War and national defence.
According to the petition, such content would contribute to the development of young people’s creative and intellectual abilities and foster patriotism.
The petitioner had served a legal notice on the respondents on 27 August seeking appropriate remedial measures. The writ states that no effective administrative action was taken despite the respondents receiving the notice.
Against this backdrop, the public-interest writ petition was filed before the High Court seeking appropriate relief in the public interest and for the protection of national culture.
