HC asks Ekattar TV to explain why PK Halder's interview had aired

The High Court has asked the Ekattar TV authorities to provide a written explanation about the broadcast of the interview of Proshanta Kumar (PK) Halder, who fled abroad on the charges of embezzling several crores.

A virtual HC bench of Justices Md Nazrul Islam Talukder and Ahmed Sohel made the order on Sunday.

Before the hearing, Ekattar TV submitted a video clip of the interview and talk show video clip to the court.

The tribunal has set 17 January for the next hearing.

During his submission of the video clip of the interview and the talk show, Ekattar TV chief reporter Shakil Ahmed said the electronic media fully respects the law. 

Earlier on December 30, the High Court issued a media ban to stop airing the statements of all the fugitive accused, including PK Halder.

At the same time, it directed Ekattar TV to submit PK Halder's broadcast interview and talk show video.

The High Court passed the order following the ACC's application.

ACC lawyer Md Khurshid Alam Khan said PK Halder's speech had been broadcast live on several electronic media outlets. 

Mr Halder is a fugitive accused in the eyes of the law, and so the ACC sought a media ban to suspend publicity of the statements of all the accused, including PK Halder, he added.  

Interpol issued a red alert on 8 January to arrest fugitive PK Halder.