A high-level interactive dialogue between the Association of IPTV Owners Bangladesh and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting was held on Sunday (April 26) at the conference room of the Department of Information, with State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yaser Khan Chowdhury and Advisor to the Honourable Prime Minister Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman in attendance, a press release said.
Addressing the gathering, both officials acknowledged that while IPTV has expanded the reach of media in this technology-driven era, ensuring transparency and accountability within the sector remains imperative.
State Minister Yaser Khan Chowdhury reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a free media and the unrestricted flow of information. He noted that IPTV can serve as a powerful platform to amplify the voices of marginalized communities, but stressed that operators must remain vigilant against misinformation and operate in strict adherence to state policy and broadcasting guidelines.
Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, Advisor to the Prime Minister, underscored IPTV’s critical role in building a Digital Bangladesh. He called on industry stakeholders to uphold professionalism and deliver objective news, while working in coordination with the government to ensure the sector’s disciplined and sustainable growth.
During the session, leaders of the IPTV Owners’ Association highlighted key challenges and opportunities facing the industry. They urged the government to streamline the registration and operational framework in line with official policy and emphasized the need for a definitive regulatory structure and state support to unlock the sector’s potential.
Speaking at the meeting, HerNet TV Founder and IPTV Association representative Alisha Pradhan called for equal parameters and rights for news and sponsorship for IPTV, on par with satellite television. She noted that the Fourth Industrial Revolution will soon blur the distinction between IPTV and satellite TV, yet the absence of equitable incentives has caused IPTV platforms to incur significant losses over the past seven to eight years — a major barrier to nationwide cable penetration.
Pradhan further cautioned that denying accreditation to legitimate IPTV services has contributed to the rise of unauthorized platforms, fake news, and eroded integrity across social media, with nearly 80% of event coverage now handled by unregulated outlets. “Any registered IPTV is free to broadcast worldwide as long as it follows the basic guidelines of general broadcasting,” she said, urging the Information Ministry and broadcasting authorities to develop a broader understanding of the technology’s nature and grant IPTV the access it deserves.
State Minister Yaser Khan Chowdhury and Advisor Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman listened attentively to the recommendations put forward by Pradhan and other IPTV owners, who shared similar concerns and appeals. A follow-up meeting will be convened to advance the discussions.
At the outset of the session, the State Minister congratulated Alisha Pradhan on HerNet TV’s remarkable journey in championing women’s empowerment and conveyed his appreciation after viewing several of the channel’s programs.
