Bangladesh court issues rule on banning controversial Indian channel Republic Bangla
Petition accuses Indian news channel of spreading Islamophobia, stoking communal tensions, and threatening Bangladesh’s sovereignty
DHAKA, Bangladesh (MNTV) — A Bangladeshi High Court has sought an explanation from the government on why Indian television channel Republic Bangla should not be banned for allegedly spreading disinformation, promoting communal discord, and threatening national security.
The ruling came on Sunday from a bench comprising Justice Fahmida Quader and Justice Sayed Jahed Mansur, following a writ petition filed by Advocate Mahmudul Hasan.
The petition calls for a complete block on Republic Bangla’s broadcasts and digital content within Bangladesh’s jurisdiction, citing “ongoing media aggression” by the channel.
Representing the state, Assistant Attorney General Ikramul Kabir confirmed that a rule has been issued, requiring authorities to respond to the petition’s demands.
Republic Bangla, part of India’s Republic Media Network—a platform known for its right-wing Hindu nationalist leanings—is accused in the petition of running coordinated campaigns aimed at undermining Bangladesh’s internal stability.
The channel allegedly broadcasted claims suggesting that the Chittagong region should be severed from Bangladesh and annexed to India.
Beyond territorial provocations, the petition says the channel frequently incites communal hatred between Hindus and Muslims, thereby endangering public order. It also warns of Republic Bangla’s attempts to polarize communities through its YouTube and Facebook content, which reaches millions in Bangladesh.
The petitioner argues that the channel’s content amounts to foreign interference in domestic affairs and has demanded urgent action to prevent its dissemination through satellite or social media platforms. A legal notice had previously been served to relevant authorities, but with no action taken, the matter was brought before the court.
The High Court has directed several government bodies to respond, including the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ICT Division, and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission.
Republic Media Network, headed by controversial Indian anchor Arnab Goswami, has been repeatedly flagged by Indian fact-checkers for disseminating false information and Islamophobic rhetoric.
Its English and Hindi channels have also faced allegations of manipulating television ratings by manufacturing sensationalist content.
Earlier this month, prominent Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir claimed that Goswami pays Pakistani guests to appear on Republic debates and “abuse India”—a tactic allegedly used to boost viewership numbers. The accusation, made in an interview with Pakistan-based digital news outlet The Current, has further intensified scrutiny of the network’s methods and motivations.
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