India has blocked YouTube broadcasts of two more Bangladeshi television channels, citing national security concerns — bringing the total number of affected channels to six.
According to Dismiss Lab, a fact-checking initiative of the digital rights group Digitally Right, YouTube had already restricted access to Jamuna TV, Ekattor TV, Banglavision, and Mohana TV from within India on Friday. On Saturday, Somoy TV and DBC News were also found to be blocked.
All six channels are YouTube-verified and collectively boast over 54.2 million subscribers. When users in India attempt to access their content, they are shown a message stating:
“This content is currently not available in your country due to a government order related to national security or public order.”
In response, Faiz Ahmed Tayyab, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister’s ICT Adviser, said the Bangladesh government will formally seek clarification from YouTube via the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC).
“If a satisfactory explanation is not provided, Bangladesh will be compelled to take reciprocal measures,” he warned. In a Facebook post, Faiz also argued that the ban infringes on the rights of Bangladeshi citizens living in India, calling it a violation of international consumer rights standards.
He further noted that these TV channels operate legally and do not promote false or provocative content.
On the matter of retaliation, Faiz pointed to Indian channels like Republic Bangla, accusing them of spreading misinformation about Bangladesh. “If needed, Bangladesh will take similar action against such channels,” he said.
Technology experts have raised concerns that this development could strain bilateral relations between the two countries.
