The High Court on Monday ordered the authorities concerned to suspend broadcasting of Somoy TV, a private television channel, for seven days.
The HC bench comprising Justice Naima Haider and Justice Shashanka Shekhar Sarkar passed the order after hearing on a writ petition filed by Shampa Rahman, a director of Somoy TV Ltd, seeking necessary directives.
It also issued a rule questioning the legality of its broadcasting programmes on behalf of the previous government.
Ahmed Jobaer was recently removed from the position of Managing Director and CEO of Somoy TV. Shampa Rahman was appointed as the MD on behalf of the City Group.
Ahmed Jobaer said, "They are not aware of this writ. The writ was filed without informing them. They will go to the Chamber Judge of the Supreme Court's Appellate Division seeking a stay on the High Court's order."
Senior jurists Mojibul Haque Bhuiyan and Ahsanul Karim moved the plea before the court while deputy attorney general Foyej Ahmed stood for the state.
Petitioner's lawyer Ahsanul Karim said, "My client in her plea has said that the Somoy TV was used as a mouthpiece of the previous government. She pleaded for necessary directions from the court so that the channel runs neutrally."
Ahmed Jobaer's lawyer Barrister Mahbub Uddin Khokon told reporters that the broadcast should not be stopped until the appeal is resolved.
"The City Group used to provide money to Awami League. They are afraid that their 60-70 factories may be vandalised. That's why they want to close this company. This is not an argument. Why should the television channel be closed?", he said.
Barrister Mahbub added that a case related to the ownership and post of managing director and CEO of Somoy TV is ongoing in a High Court bench and will be heard on 22 August.
