The High Court (HC) yesterday issued a rule asking the authorities concerned why action should not be taken against Coca-Cola for using “indecent and distorted words” in their advertisements. In response to a writ petition, the HC bench of Justice FRM Nazmul Ahasan and Justice  KM Kamrul Kader came up with the rule.

Supreme Court lawyer Md Moniruzzaman Rana filed the writ petition with the HC challenging the legality of using “disputed” words like “Fafor”, “Para”, “Matha Nosto”, “Ghutibaj”, “Jinish” and “osthir” in the advertisements of Coca-Cola in Bangladesh. The advertisements of Coca Cola were published and broadcast on both the print and electronic media, the petitioner said.

A total of 10 officials including secretaries of information, culture, law, and education, director general of Bangla Academy, inspector general of police (IGP), and the managing director of International Beverage Private Limited have been made respondents to reply to the rule within four weeks.

During hearing, Advocate Moniruzzaman told the court that Coca-Cola company used indecent words in their advertisements, which create negative impact on the society. Explaining the matter, Moniruzzaman said when a boy or girl goes to a shop and ask the shopkeeper saying ‘give me a Para or Matha Nasto,’ it creates negative impact on the society.

Barrister Tanjib Ul Alam appeared for Coca-Cola while Assistant Attorney General M Saiful Alam represented the state.