The government is set to establish a new Broadcast Commission to streamline the operations of various broadcasting entities, set standards and curb irregularities.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has prepared the draft Broadcast Commission Ordinance-2026, which proposes strict penalties for violations, including up to three years’ imprisonment and fines of up to Tk 50 lakh.
The draft is currently open for consultation with all relevant stakeholders.
Under the draft ordinance, terrestrial, satellite and cable television, radio, IPTV, DTH (Direct-to-Home), FM and community radio, OTT, streaming and Video-on-Demand (VOD) platforms will fall under the Commission’s remit.
Commercial online infotainment portals, apps and video streaming activities are also included, while personal social media posts and amateur content remain outside its scope.
The draft stipulates severe punishments for operating broadcasting services without a licence or Commission approval, disobeying government directives, disseminating classified military or civilian information, airing unapproved or misleading advertisements, and using images of state-protected important sites in commercial content.
Violators operating without a licence, or without prior Commission recommendation, could face a maximum of three years’ imprisonment or fines ranging from Tk 10 lakh to Tk 50 lakh, or both. Non-compliance with government directives on national interest or public welfare may result in a fine of up to Tk 50,000.
Importing broadcasting equipment without official clearance may attract up to three years in jail or fines between Tk 5 lakh and Tk 20 lakh.
Broadcasting sensitive military or civilian information that could threaten national security, public safety, or public order carries up to two years’ imprisonment or fines ranging from Tk 1 lakh to Tk 10 lakh.
The draft also addresses the broadcasting of advertisements for unlicensed financial institutions, gambling, tobacco, alcohol, or misleading content, prescribing up to two years’ imprisonment or fines of Tk 5 lakh to Tk 30 lakh.
The use of imagery of state-protected sites such as the National Parliament, Prime Minister’s Office, President’s Office, secretariat, courts, military barracks, or KPI-affiliated establishments may result in up to six months in jail or fines up to Tk 2 lakh. All fines will be recoverable under the Public Demand Recovery Act-1913.
To adjudicate offences under the ordinance, one or more Broadcast Tribunals will be established. Each tribunal will comprise a district or sessions judge, with directives to resolve cases within 90 working days of filing.
The formation of the Broadcast Commission will be overseen by a selection committee. Based on its recommendations, the government will appoint a chairman and four commissioners.
At least one commissioner must be female. Commission members will be prohibited from holding profit-making positions or engaging in media-related businesses.
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The draft ordinance assigns the Commission responsibilities including recommending broadcasting licences to the government, formulating codes of conduct and policies, overseeing broadcast operations, and resolving viewer and listener complaints.
It will coordinate with BTRC on technical matters and has the authority to impose fines, issue corrective directives, or revoke license, if necessary.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has announced that comments on the draft ordinance will be accepted until 31 January 2026.