The broadcasting of local advertisements on downlinked foreign television channels has been stopped following intervention by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, according to leaders of Media Unity, a newly formed platform of private TV channels’ owners, producers, professionals and officials.
The information was divulged at a meeting of the unity at Dhaka Club yesterday. Leaders also revealed that they have been able to resolve some ‘internal misunderstandings’ as well.  They also told reporters that they were suspending their demonstration as their demands have been realised.
Leaders present at the programme further said that the Media Unity would continue to work towards  safeguarding the interest of the local TV channels and upholding the culture of the country.
The Media Unity had been demonstrating since November 3 demanding the implementation of a 6-point charter of demands, including closure of downlinks of illegal foreign TV channels in Bangladesh, stopping broadcast of dubbed foreign serials in local channels and imposing a ban on advertisements in foreign channels.
On the back of the unity demonstration, the prime minister intervened in the matter and that resulted in the halt to the broadcasting of local advertisements in downlinked foreign TV channels, Media Unity Adviser Salman F Rahman said. He also informed the unity meeting that Faridur Reza Sagar, Managing Director of Impress Telefilm Ltd and Channel-i, has decided to withdraw the defamation case filed against ATN Bangla Chairman Mahfuzur Rahman and Managing Director of Ekattor Television Mozammel Haque Babu. Sagar filed the case with a Dhaka court on November 29 accusing Mahfuzur Rahman and Babu of making derogatory statements against him.