DOT Desk:[2] The Wildlife Crime Suppression Unit has filed a case against Grameenphone for showing a caged bird in their advertisement.[3] The unit’s Director Nargis Sultana filed the case under sections 37 (2), 41 and 46 of the Wildlife Protection and Security Act 2012 with the Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court.
[4] Wildlife and Biodiversity Conservation Officer Rathindra Kumar Biswas, Wildlife Inspectors Asim Mallick, Abdullah Al Sadiq and Forester Habibur Rahman are the witnesses of the case lodged,reports TBS.
[5] Responding to the issue, Grameenphone’s External Communications Head Md Hasan told, “There have been discussions on social media on the portrayal of a native bird in one of our recently circulated advertisements.
Although most of the people appreciated the advertisement, few have expressed concerns. As Grameenphone is respectful to the opinion of the public, the ad is no longer being aired.”
He said, “Grameenphone has learned about a case in this regard from media reports. We will be able to comment on this issue after receiving relevant documents of the case.”
In a recently broadcasted television advertisement by the telco, a young girl was shown being gifted a caged Parrot.
The depiction of a caged animal sparked controversy and criticism on social media platforms.