Fundamentally, the impression is one of administrative fiat being exercised without taking broad opinion into account. Indeed, such a move, on the ground that the channels had not sought permission to operate, should have been made earlier. What has now happened is that a wrong signal has gone out. In other words, a clear absence of prudence has now created the fear that a closed society may be what a class of people exercising political authority could be trying to promote in Bangladesh, which we would like to think is far from the truth. In these sensitive times, when the national goal remains one of promoting democracy and an open, liberal society in Bangladesh, an abrupt withdrawal of facility even for genuine administrative reasons should have been avoided. Earlier, when a few channels were taken off the air over questions of morality, no one complained. This time, the suddenness with which action has been taken against the channels in question has caused surprise among all classes of viewers.

The authorities can now regularise the banned cable television operations after the operators have secured the necessary permission. They can fined them for having not abided by the rules. We urge that the channels that have been blacked out be restored soon.