ik's Peace TV goes off air in Bangladesh

Dhaka, July 11: Mumbai-based controversial Islamic preacher Zakir ik’s Peace TV went off the air in Bangladesh on Monday after the government issued an order that cancelled its broadcast rights. The information ministry issued the order on Monday, a day after the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order decided to end its broadcast, bdnews24 reported. The order read, “Based on the Cabinet Committee’s decision, free-to-air TV channel Peace TV’s downlink permission has been cancelled for violating downlink conditions.” The ministry also asked the authorities to stop the broadcast of the channel across the country. Copies of the order were sent to the home ministry, Press Information Department, Bangladesh Television and the Cable Operators Association of Bangladesh (COAB).

The decision followed allegations that the 50-year-old Indian preacher’s speeches, sermons and interpretation of Islamic issues were “inspiring acts of terrorism” and radicalising youths.

After the cabinet committee’s decision on Sunday, Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu said the administrative steps would be taken on Monday morning to take the channel off air.

“Peace TV is not consistent with Muslim society, the Quran, Sunh, Hadith, Bangladesh’s Constitution, our culture, customs and rituals,” he said. (IANS)