Cable network operators asked to refrain from using network for electioneering

Friday, 19th of December, 2008

The Election Commission has asked the cable network operators to refrain from using their network for election campaign for or against any candidate or party taking part in the polls.
The EC has asked the information ministry to take care of the matter, an official handout said Thursday. It said Clause 3 (2) of the existing Cable Television Network Activities Act 2006 prohibits any cable programme distributor and service provider from such activities.
It prohibits them from marketing, distributing and telecasting programmes through video, VCD, DVD or such other means in the country, the information ministry said adding, the ban will now cover distribution and telecasting of election related programmes or campaigns.
It said if the cable operators violate the sanction, they may be punished under Clause 28 (2) of the above mentioned law which provides for up to two years of imprisonment or a minimum fine of Tk 50,000 to Tk 1 lakh or both of them. They may also lose the licence, it added. The government has asked the cable operators to ensure the compliance of the rules and regulations under the existing law.

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