Information Ministry seeks explanations from GP, Robi

The Information Ministry has sought explanations from the two telecom companies--Grameenphone and Robi-- regarding the uploading and dissemination of uncensored and indecent video contents on the web in the name of web series using their platforms and networks.

Mir Akram Uddin Ahmed, senior information officer at the ministry, came with the information on Thursday (June 25).

Separate letters were issued to the chief executive officers (CEO) of the two companies from the Press Information Department (PID) on Wednesday (June 24), he said.

"The government has been aware that video contents having uncensored, nude, obscene and vulgar scenes, stories and dialogues have recently been uploaded on the web in the name of a web series using your platform and network," according to the two letters. 

The issue has got a wide coverage in the country's media, triggering a negative impact in society. The government needs to know if your organisation has any registration or licence from the government to upload and promote such video contents on the web using your platform and network, the letters said.

The letters stated that uploading and disseminating uncensored and nude video content in the name of a web series is a clear violation of the country's existing laws and contrary to social values.

Dissemination of video content containing such uncensored, nude and obscene scenes, stories and dialogues is completely contrary to the country's existing laws such as section 69 of The Bangladesh Telecommunications (Amendment) Act, 2010, sections 4 and 8 of Pornography Control Act, 2012, Digital Security Act, 2018, Information and Communication Technology Act, 2006. 

Disseminating such video contents is in stark contrast with the prevailing values of our society which is not desirable from an organisation as large as yours.

It has been asked for clarification within next seven days if the two organisations had any official registration or licence to upload and disseminate such video contents, according to the letters.


Dhaka/Naymuddin/AI