After the temporary ban of PUBG in Afghanistan last year, the High Court division of Bangladesh Supreme Court quoted some apps as “destructive”, and hence ordered the government to ban the apps immediately, including some popular mobile games like PUBG Mobile and Free Fire, along with several social media apps such as TikTok, Likee, Bigo Live, etc. The High Court said to “save children and adolescents from moral and social degradation”, the apps will no longer continue in Bangladesh till further order comes from the court.
Bangladesh High Court orders for the ban
The court also issued a ruling asking why the apps and games should not be banned and issued ten days to answer the ruling. The notice has been sent to the relevant authorities. The ruling also includes asking why a high-level committee should not be formed to inspect the issue. The defendants, the Secretary of Post and Telecommunications, the BTRC chairman, the Secretary of Education, the Home Secretary, the Law Secretary, the Health Secretary and the Inspector General of Police are ordered to reply within the time limits.
Previously on June 19, a legal notice was sent to the government asking for a ban on a few online games, social media, and short-video sharing apps. Law and Life Foundation, being aggrieved, sent the notice. These games and apps are leading to addiction among children and teenagers of Bangladesh and are damaging the nation’s “education, culture, and values” while developing a “violent mentality” among teenagers, the petitioner said.
As they received no response from the authorities, the petitioners moved for a writ to the HC as Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on June 24. In the writ petition, they requested the HC to impose a ban on those apps.
“Another hearing will be held after receiving the response from the defendants. The court will then finally take the decision about the future of those apps whether they’ll be banned permanently or not”, said the petitioners.
Consequences for the esports community of Bangladesh
As the news spreads, mixed comments are seen from the public. But, the news brings a shock to the esports community as online games are on their way to become popular more than ever. A1 Esports from the country emerged as a rising power in the competitive scene and established a place for them as a regular competitor in the global stages.
More recently, PUBG Mobile National Championship Bangladesh (PMNC) 2021 concluded which featured $30,000 as prize pool. Many of the analysts see those apps as dangerous to the youths, whereas positive opinions are also present among some. However, the esports community and the players will definitely be facing some setbacks after the game bans.
What is your opinion on the orders of the Bangladesh High Court to ban PUBG Mobile and Free Fire? Do let us know in the comment section below!
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