Seven organisations representing Bangladesh’s television drama industry have expressed deep concern and protested against a legal notice on 27 August, seeking strict restrictions on the production and broadcast of romance-based films and dramas.
In a joint statement, they said, “The demand to completely stop the production of romantic dramas or films is in no way compatible with the development of the creative industry.” They said the notice had caused concern among artistes, directors, producers, technicians and other professionals in the television and entertainment sectors.
The organisations said Bangladesh’s television and audiovisual industry has long contributed to the country’s culture, entertainment, creativity and economy.
They stressed the importance of creative freedom, artistes’ right to expression and compliance with existing laws and regulations.
They said objections to specific content can be addressed through existing laws, regulations and regulatory frameworks. However, attempting to stop an entire genre could put the livelihoods and creative activities of thousands of people working directly or indirectly in the television industry at risk. They also acknowledged the need for responsible and quality content.
The statement was signed by representatives of the Directors Guild, Actors Equity, Television Playwrights’ Association, Cameramen Association of Bangladesh, Audio-Visual Technical Owners Association, Television Assistant Directors Organisation of Bangladesh and Bangladesh Makeup Artists Association.
The legal notice was sent by Supreme Court lawyer Mahmudul Hasan Mamun to the Cabinet secretary, secretaries of the Information and Broadcasting and Cultural Affairs ministries, and the chairman of the Bangladesh Film Censor Board.
The notice alleged that excessive romantic content was creating cultural imbalance and negatively affecting young people’s studies, careers and moral values. It also alleged that extramarital relationships were being portrayed as normal or desirable and linked such content to rising crimes, including rape.
Citing Articles 21(1), 23 and 39 of the Constitution, Mamun argued that reasonable restrictions may be imposed in the interests of decency or morality. The notice demands administrative action within 10 days, failing which a public-interest writ petition would be filed before the High Court under Article 102.
