A legal notice has been sent to the government demanding the closure of obscene and pornographic videos, advertisements, and promotions on all online platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and Likee. The notice accuses Dr. Jahangir Kabir and Dr. Tasnim Jara, Senior Joint Secretary of the National Citizen’s Party (NCP), of spreading obscenity on social media, and requests that punitive measures be taken against them and those involved.
The notice was sent on Thursday (April 24) by Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Mohammad Humayun Kabir Pallab.
The notice demands that the government take immediate action to shut down all websites, links, and gateways distributing obscene and pornographic videos, advertisements, and promotions across platforms like Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and Likee.
The notice was sent on behalf of the human rights organization Law and Life Foundation Trust and Supreme Court lawyers Bayezid Hossain and Naeem Sardar, raising concerns about the growing threat of obscenity on social media. It was addressed to the Secretary of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Secretary of the Ministry of Law, the Chairman of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), and the Inspector General of Police.
The notice emphasizes that producing, distributing, and broadcasting any obscene image or video is illegal and punishable under Bangladesh’s laws and Constitution. However, due to the inaction of the concerned authorities, obscene and pornographic images and videos continue to be widely circulated on social media. As a result, Facebook, YouTube, and other online platforms have become unsuitable for public use.
The widespread distribution of such content is also negatively affecting family and social values, leading to a loss of moral standards in society.
According to various media reports, a large number of children and adolescents in Bangladesh have become addicted to obscene videos and pornography on social media. With smartphones and internet access being widely available, both adults and young children are increasingly getting involved.
Furthermore, this situation has created an opportunity for foreign companies to collaborate with local syndicates, leading to the illegal transfer of billions of dollars out of the country. Prominent celebrities and showbiz models in Bangladesh are reportedly promoting obscene videos and advertisements for money on their personal Facebook pages and accounts. Many doctors are also using obscene videos and advertisements to attract people to sell drugs and products on social media.
The notice states that Dr. Jahangir Kabir, Dr. Tasnim Jara, and others have been involved in promoting sexual stimulants through video messages and images disguised as health advice on social media. These images and videos are contributing to the spread of obscenity in society, which is undermining social and family values.
The situation is highly concerning, and immediate action is needed.
Since social media and the internet are public platforms, the spread of obscene videos and pornographic images on them constitutes a public nuisance, which is a crime under Section 268 of the Penal Code. Under sections 292, 293, and 294, creating, distributing, or displaying any obscene videos or images is punishable by law. According to Article 18 of the Constitution, the state is constitutionally obligated to take necessary measures for the improvement of public health. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Act of 2001, Sections 29 and 30, imposes an obligation to ensure a reliable and secure internet service and telecommunication system. Unfortunately, the authorities have failed to enforce the law properly, and as a result, the internet and telecommunications systems are full of obscenity, harmful and illegal criminal content, which is unacceptable.
The notice further states that if legal action is not taken immediately against the concerned individuals, the Law and Life Foundation will file a writ petition in the High Court in the public interest to ensure proper legal action is taken.
