Bangladeshi opposition owned TV channel shut

DHAKA - Bangladesh authorities Tuesday evening suspended transmission of private television Channel 1, owned by a former lawmaker said to be close to opposition leader Khaleda Zia\’s politician son Tarique Rahman, for \”violating rules\”.

\”We are very sorry to inform that the transmission of Channel 1 has been suspended temporarily,\” said a notice that appeared on the channel a little before 7 p.m. Tuesday.

The action came hours after Post and Telecommunications Minister Rajiuddin Ahmed Raju said the government had decided to shut the channel.

Television channels were not allowed to use \”transferable\” equipment and licence but Channel was using equipment owned by other companies, \”which is a complete breach of law,\” Star Online, website of The Daily Star, quoted him as saying.

Channel 1 was established June 1, 2005. With 400 employees, it started official broadcasting January 24, 2006. The channel founder Giasuddin Al Mamun was Tarique Rahman\’s business associate and is wanted in several criminal cases.

Besides the official radio and TV channel, Bangladesh has about 15 private channels.