Dhaka, August 19— The Cable Operators Association of Bangladesh (COAB) has called for the implementation of six measures, including a ban on the broadcasting of foreign channels via IP feed. The demands were made during a human chain protest held in front of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) building in Agargaon on Monday.

Led by COAB President ABM Saiful Hossain Sohel, the protest saw participation from around fifty cable operators. The demonstrators voiced concerns over what they described as discriminatory regulatory and licensing guidelines for Internet Service Providers (ISPs), particularly targeting section 7(6) of the guidelines, which they demanded be removed.

Saiful Hossain highlighted the growing issue of foreign channels, including both free-to-air and pay channels, being broadcast through IP feeds, which they believe is harming local cable businesses. The protesters urged the authorities to take immediate steps to prevent this practice.

Additionally, the speakers at the protest called for the withdrawal of what they referred to as "discriminatory black laws" enforced by the BTRC, arguing that these regulations unfairly target cable operators and stifle their businesses.