Govt has no list of online news portals: Inu

Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu today informed the parliament that around 2,018 online newspapers from across the country have so far applied for registration with the Press Information Department.

He also said the government has no list of the country's online news portals.  He, however, said the registration process of online newspaper is underway.

He also informed the House that the number of the country's registered newspaper is 3025, while that of government-approved private television channels are 45.

The minister also said that the cancellation of license of two private television channels is now under consideration.

"The government has yet to take final decision on cancellation of licenses of the two private television channels Diganta and Islami Television," he said while replying to lawmakers’ queries.

The broadcasting of the two private television channels were shut down temporarily, Inu said, adding that the government issued show cause notices to the respective authorities of the two television channels but did not get satisfactory reply.

On May 6, 2013, the government shut down broadcast of the Diganta Television and the Islamic TV on allegations of airing provocative programmes.