The government would issue licences to a number of televi sion channels "as early as possible", Information Minister Abul Kalani Azad said In the I louse yesterday. I Ie, however, did not specify the number of new channels.

Activities are underway to revise and amend "television code of advertising standards and practices" so that measures could be taken against "indecent and uncreative" advertisements in private TV channels, said Azad.

The minister said actions would be taken against a private TV channel if any lawmaker considers the contents of its talk show or programmes objectionable and reports to the ministry.

"A number of people submitted applications during the last caretaker government while many others after the present government assumed power, seeking permission for private TV channels. We will examine all those applications and issue a few licences," said the informationminister.

Replying to lawmakers'

queries, Azad said die television code of advertising standards and practices are being updated. Actions would be taken if anyTV channel failed to comply with the conditions for issuing the licence, he added.

"Tlie existing rules are not enough to stop inappropriate and indecent advertisements," he said urging the satellite television channel owners and high officials not to broadcast any such advertisements.

In reply to a query of a law maker, whether the government is to stop controversial and provocative comments on religion or government in talk shows, the Information minister said there Ls no such provision at present. "But we will make policy to this effect," he added.

The minister said, Bangladesh Television will keep monitoring the programmes of private television channels and actions would be taken based on that.

“The ministry will take measures if you (lawmakers) report to the ministry about objectionable programmes on television channels," he concluded while replying a supplementary question.