SC clears way for Channel 1 to resume operations

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court yesterday cleared the way for Channel 1, a private satellite television station, to resume its functions.

The apex court stayed the High Court verdict that upheld the BTRC decision to ban its frequency allocation, effectively shutting it down in 2010.

A four-member bench of the Appellate Division headed by Justice Md Ashfaqul Islam passed the order after holding a hearing on petition filed by Channel 1's founder and Managing Director Gias Uddin Al Mamun.

Channel 1 was established on June 1, 2005 and it started broadcasting on January 24, 2006.

On April 27, 2010, BTRC stopped its transmission on allegation of using rented broadcasting equipment in violation of the law.