Dhaka: The High Court Sunday rejected a writ petition challenging the government action in shutting down Channel 1, a private satellite television station owned by people in the opposition BNP camp.

An HC bench comprising Justice Mahmud Hossain and Justice Gobinda Chandra Tagore passed the order of rejection of the writ plea, to the frustration of the media owners and crew.

On May 2, Channel director Majedul Islam filed the writ petition with the HC after the Channel 1 went off-air on April 27.

The lawyers on behalf of the Channel 1 were Barrister Rafiqul Haq and Barrister Ahsanul Karim while Attorney-General Mahbubey Alam fought for defending the government action.

Later, Ahsan told journalists that, after hearing, the HC termed the show-cause notice given by BTRC to Channel 1 “accurate”.

He, however, said the condition regarding the imported equipment still stands as the no-objection certificate had been enclosed with the license.

Replying to a question, he said to reporters that it is now up to the authorities of the Channel 1 whether they will go for higher court.  

Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (BTRC) shut down the private TV for using rented broadcasting equipment “in violation of the law”.  

1524 hrs, 16 April 2010
MRH/SMS/MUA