COAB threatens to boycott Star Group channels
Cable operators will not air the channels from evening of November 4 if Jadoo does not resolve the outstanding business issues
The Cable Operators Association of Bangladesh (COAB) Wednesday threatened to boycott seven foreign television channels, including Star Jalsha, after raising allegations of business misconduct and disrespectful behaviour against Jadoo Vision limited.
However, Jadoo categorically denied the allegations and were disinterested in further discussions. It claims these accusations are driven by COAB's own internal business issues.
At a press conference at the Jatiya Press Club Wednesday, COAB's Founding President, SM Anwar Parvez issued the ultimatum threatening to boycott foreign pay-channels represented by Jadoo.
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At the press conference, they announced that cable operators will not air the channels with effect from 6:00pm on November 4 if the issues are not resolved.
COAB leaders allege that Jadoo Vision is shutting down foreign pay channels whenever they wish. It is providing connections by others and expanding Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) across the country without complying with the regulations.
They also raised questions over Jadoo's disrespectful attitudes to cable operators and inhumane business practices even during the pandemic. The company was also accused of putting cable TV businesses at risk at the expense of the customers.
When contacted, Jadoo Vision CEO Kunal Deshamukhya told The Business Standard that they were providing IPTV connections with permission from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission.
"I am running my business with all the requisite approvals. Those who are complaining now have been doing business with us for a long time. Why did they not raise these issues earlier," he questioned.
He said, "They are making the allegations now as they are no longer satisfied with our business agreements. But they have some outstanding dues. We will enter into discussions if they settle those dues first. Otherwise, Jadoo is not interested in negotiating with anyone."
At the press conference, COAB management called on Jadoo Vision to resolve three issues immediately.
Those are – Jadoo must restore Star network signals, that are currently closed to various operators, in the next seven days; it must issue receipts against renewal fee payments by the operators; and other operators' issues must be resolved by Jadoo Digital -- a subsidiary of Jadoo Vision.
Jadoo Vision Limited has been working as a distributor for Star Group's Star Plus, Star Jalsha, National Geographic, Life OK and Star Gold in Bangladesh since 2010. Three other companies have also been working in Bangladesh as distributors of foreign pay channels.
