The Bangladeshi government has introduced a new broadcast law to censor the content of TV programmes and movies.

Aside from prohibiting political, religious and (so-called) sexual material, it also bans the transmission of stories that hold power to account.

According to a report in the popular Dhaka-based Weekly Blitz, the law effectively prevents any criticism of the government and its institutions.

It bans TV channels from broadcasting any "promotional" or "advertising" content relating to non-Muslim festivals such as Christmas, Purnima [Buddhist] and Puja rituals [Hindu].

The law, due to take effect within three months, bans the showing of any "kiss scenes" in movies shown on foreign channels, such as Star Movie, HBO and Warner Brothers.

Blitz lists 14 specific bans and accuses the Bangladesh government of exposing "its hidden anti-democracy face to the people."

Source: Blitz