Staff Reporter :
The High Court on Sunday expressed its annoyance over the role of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) for not removing the objectionable personal videos and pictures from different social media.
While helding hearing on a writ petition the High Court bench of Justice Md Mozibur Rahman Miah and Justice Md Kamrul Hossain Mollah said, “What does the BTRC do? Do they need regular instructions to stop these (viral videos)? Does the BTRC feel happy with this? Is it looking good? Don’t we live with our children, don’t we have families? Why do these videos go viral through all social media?”
The court also said, “They (BTRC) can stop these videos instantly. Whereas they enjoy these. Everyone comes here to put a gun on our necks to shoot. They appeal to instruct the BTRC to stop these. In the case of Al Jazeera, we have clearly stated that the BTRC has all the power to stop these kinds of videos.”
The court also said, “The BTRC already has the power. Even then we had given a specific guideline. Now will we give them (BTRC) instructions every day?”
Earlier on August 25 this year Tasmiah Nuhiya Ahmed, a Supreme Court lawyer, submitted the writ petition with the High Court seeking its directive upon the respondents to take necessary steps to remove and stop further spread of any and all media reports, videos and pictures assassinating individuals’ character through breaching right to privacy from all the media platforms.
Such reports, videos and pictures are assassinating individuals’ character through breaching right to privacy and exposing their private life to public, also stated the writ petition.
In the petition she mentioned some incidents of reports, videos and pictures which damaged reputation and privacy of persons including Dhallywood actress Sahmsunnahar Smriti alias Pori Moni, which is illegal and unconstitutional.
Tasmiah Nuhiya Ahmed herself appeared in the hearing on behalf of her petition, while Deputy Attorney General Nawroz Muhammad Russel Chowdhury represented the state.
During the hearing the presiding judge of the HC bench asked the writ filing lawyer if she sent any legal notice to the BTRC to stop these videos before filing the petition. After holding hearing the court ‘rejected the petition as it was not pressed’.
