Bangladesh cable operators seek ban on Pakistani TV channels

Demands for exclusion of Pakistani companies from upcoming trade fair conveyed to higher authorities.

DHAKA: The Cable Operators Association of Bangladesh (Coab), a body of cable operators in Bangladesh, threatened on Thursday that they would take all Pakistani television channels in Bangladesh off-air, Thedailystar.net reported. 

The ban, if enacted, will be yet another step towards a complete breakdown in fast deteriorating ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

It has been reported that the ban on Pakistani channels will be put into effect due to rising tension between the two countries following JI leader Abdul Quader Molla’s hanging.

Pakistani investors who have invested into Bangladesh also face uncertainty after the incident.

Bangladesh's commerce secretary was quoted as saying "We will decide in a day or two about the participation of Pakistani stalls in the trade fair". He assured the youth that the demand for suspending trade relations with Pakistan had been conveyed to higher authorities.

Earlier this week, many protestors gathered around the Pakistan High Commission office in Dhaka to protest against Pakistan's reaction to the hanging - particularly the National Assembly's resolution condemning Molla's killing.