Broadcast policy challenged

A Supreme Court lawyer today challenged the legality of the recently-formulated National Broadcast Policy 2014 saying that it has "curtailed the freedom of press".

In his writ petition filed with the High Court, Eunus Ali Akond sought a stay on the operation of the policy.

Disregarding strong criticism from different quarters, the cabinet approved the policy on August 4 and issued a gazette notification on this three days later.

The petitioner urged the court ask the government to explain why the broadcast policy should not be declared illegal.

The court may hear the petition tomorrow, Akond told The Daily Star after filing his petition.

The policy is against the fundamental rights of people "since it restricts publishing reports against the government, armed forces and friendly countries", he said in the petition.

Eunus Ali also annexed with the petition a comment of Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu published on The Daily Star last Friday.

While addressing a briefing on Thursday, Inu said, "If any individual makes any offensive or instigating comments in the media, it can be interfered as per the policy."

The minister's comment is against the fundamental rights of people, Eunus Ali said in the petition.