Producers to give ultimatum to TV channels over dues

The producers of television dramas in Bangladesh are reportedly yet to be paid over Tk100 crore for the dramas they have been producing for different private TV channels.

The Television Program Producer's Association made the claim at a press conference held at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity last Thursday.

President of the association Mamunur Rashid and General Secretary Iresh Zaker were present at the press conference.

Some producers were driven to tears while talking about the lack of pay. The sum total of the due payment, according to Mamunur Rashid, is well over Tk100 crore, half of which is supposed to be given by Ekushey TV.

Other channels that owe the producers money include SATV, Mohona TV, Channel 9, Desh TV and Asian TV.

Some producers also claimed that they were harassed and threatened when they went to collect the money from these channels in person.

Mamunur Rashid also announced in the press conference that if the channels did not pay the money in time, they would issue an ultimatum which would be followed by tougher measures.

“If they do not get paid, the producers will also refrain from giving new TV programs,” he said, seeking government intervention to the matter.