HC petition seeks ban on romance-driven films, dramas

A writ petition has been filed with the High Court seeking an order to stop the production and broadcast of films and dramas centred on love and romance, citing concerns over moral decline among young people, social disorder and students’ academic performance.

Supreme Court lawyer Md Mahmudul Hasan filed the petition in the public interest on Sunday.

The Cabinet Secretary, secretaries of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, and the chairman of the Bangladesh Film Certification Board have been made respondents.

Hasan had earlier sent a legal notice to the respondents on August 27, seeking action on the issue. He filed the writ after, according to him, receiving no satisfactory response.

The petition alleges that excessive romantic content in films and dramas is having negative effects on society, with extramarital relationships, adultery and criminal behaviour often portrayed as normal or attractive.

It further claims that such content is distracting young people and students from their studies and careers and contributing to social disorder.

The petitioner cited reports by international media outlets, including Hindustan Times, Daily Sabah and The New York Times, in support of his claims about the impact of romantic and provocative content on young people.

The petition also refers to Article 39 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech and expression subject to reasonable restrictions in the interests of decency and morality. It also cites Article 23, which requires the state to preserve the country’s national culture and heritage.

The petitioner has additionally sought directives requiring the production and broadcast of films and dramas based on science, education, history, the Liberation War and national defence to promote creativity and patriotism among young people.