GECs
Bangladesh government seizes ETV transmission equipment
MUMBAI: The Bangladesh government on Sunday seized transmission equipment of Ekushey Television, which was forced to go off air from Thursday last.
According to reports in the Daily Star, the ministry of post and telecommunication seized key parts of the equipment for satellite news gathering and satellite earth station at the ETV Bhaban, fearing that the channel may try clandestine satellite transmission.
ETV is meanwhile trying to formulate an appropriate legal response to the confiscation of its equipment, which was done in accordance with section 5 of country’s Telegraph Act, 1885. The ministry has reportedly seized the equipment as ETV continued its telecast till 10:40 pm on 29 August even though the Supreme Court had declared the company’s license illegal at 11:40 am that day.
Satellite reports confirm that Asiasat 3S has stopped the transmission of both Ekushey TV and Ekushey World from 1 September.
Bangladesh’s first terrestrial television channel, ETV’s terrestrial broadcast was shut down by the government last Thursday after the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court upheld a High Court Division verdict declaring the license of the ETV illegal.
GECs
Asianet Television Awards 2026 celebrates women power in Malayalam TV
“She is the Colour” theme honours icons as ceremony airs on March 14 and 15 at 7 PM.
MUMBAI: If television lights up living rooms, this year Asianet decided to let women provide the colour. The Asianet Television Awards 2026 turned the spotlight firmly on women empowerment with the theme “She is the Colour”, celebrating the strength, resilience and achievements of women who continue to shape society and the Malayalam entertainment industry.
The ceremony honoured several distinguished personalities whose journeys have left a lasting cultural imprint. Among them was legendary playback singer Vimala Varma, widely recognised as the first Malayalam playback singer. The evening also paid tribute to Padma Shri awardees Devaki Amma and Vimala Menon for their exceptional contributions in their respective fields.
Leading women from the Malayalam film industry were also recognised during the event, including actor Shweta Menon, who currently serves as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists, and National Award winning actor Surabhi Lakshmi.
The awards ceremony brought together a glittering lineup of actors and industry figures, including Jayasurya, Vijay Babu, Asha Sarath, Lena, Esther Anil, Anumol, Akhila Bhargavan, Sarayu Mohan, Prajod Kalabhavan, Gayathri Suresh, Sabumon Abdusamad, Swasika, Tini Tom, Sijoy Varghese, Kailash, Veena Nandakumar, Sabareesh Varma, Ansiba Hassan and Dinesh Prabhakar. Kishan Kumar, executive vice president Malayalam at JioStar, was also present at the event.
Beyond individual recognitions, the awards celebrated excellence across Malayalam television, acknowledging artists and technicians whose work continues to drive the industry forward.
The evening also offered plenty of spectacle, with elaborate dance performances, stunt acts and comedy skits performed by popular television and film personalities, turning the ceremony into a full fledged entertainment showcase.
Viewers will get to watch the celebrations when the Asianet Television Awards 2026 air on Asianet on March 14 and 15, Saturday and Sunday, from 7 pm onwards, bringing the star studded tribute to homes across Kerala and beyond.
