A writ petition has been filed with the High Court seeking directives to stop the production and broadcast of films and dramas centred solely on romance and love, alleging that excessive romantic content is contributing to moral degradation among young people and social disorder.
Supreme Court lawyer Md Mahmudul Hasan Mamun filed the writ petition in the public interest with the High Court Division on Sunday.
The cabinet secretary, the secretaries of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry and Cultural Affairs Ministry, and the chairman of the Bangladesh Film Certification Board have been made respondents.
According to the petition, the unrestricted production and broadcast of love-centric and excessively romantic content negatively impact young people and students.
It alleges that such content portrays extramarital affairs, illicit relationships, adultery and rape as normal or even glorifies them, potentially weakening social and moral values.
The petitioner also claims that such content is distracting students from their studies and career goals and contributing to social disorder.
Citing reports published by the Hindustan Times, Daily Sabah and The New York Times, the petition argues that excessive romantic and provocative content can adversely affect the psychological development of young people and contribute to violence against women and criminal activities.
The petition acknowledges that Article 39 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression, but argues that the right is subject to reasonable restrictions in the interests of decency and morality.
It further cites Article 23 of the Constitution, saying the state has a responsibility to preserve the country’s culture and heritage.
The petitioner also referred to Sections 5(2) and 8(1) of the Bangladesh Film Certification Act, 2023, arguing that the authorities have a responsibility to protect family and social values and withdraw approval for content that violates them.
Sections 19 and 20 of the Cable Television Network Operation Act, 2006, were also cited in the petition, which says the law provides for restrictions on broadcasts harmful to education, culture and social values or those that may cause psychological harm to young people.
The writ alleges that the concerned authorities have failed to discharge their legal and constitutional responsibilities, amounting to administrative negligence.
The petition also seeks a directive for the production and broadcast of films and dramas based on science, education, history, the Liberation War and national defence, saying such content would help develop the creative talents of young people and promote patriotism.
According to the petition, a legal notice was served on the respondents on August 27 seeking necessary action. As no effective administrative steps were taken following the notice, the petitioner moved the High Court with the writ petition in the public interest and to protect national culture.