James, Miles move court against Banglalink over copyright violation

Popular singer James and two members of rock band Miles moved a Dhaka court on Sunday against mobile operator Banglalink, accusing it of infringing copyrights of their songs by commercially using them without permission.

James, the vocalist of Nagar Baul, went to the Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge’s Court in the morning to file a case seeking a remedy to copyright infringement by the country’s third-largest mobile operator.

Public prosecutor Tapas Kumar Pal told The Business Post that two counsels of James and Miles appeared before the court of Judge Imrul Kayes around 11am seeking permission to file cases under the Copyright Act against Banglalink.

The court suggested they go to Gulshan Police Station first and file cases there. If the police refuse to register their cases, then they can move the court, Tapas added. He said James was not present in the courtroom, but he heard that the rock star was some where in the court compound.

He said he heard that Miles members also came to the court but they did not go to the courtroom.

James came out of his counsel Tapas Das’ chamber around 1pm but did not comment and suggested talking to his counsel.

When contacted, Miles band lead singer Shafin Ahmed declined to comment on the matter.

Some songs by Bangladeshi artists are still being used commercially by various enterprises without any permission.

Section 15 of the Copyright Act, 2000 says copyright subsists in original literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works; cinematograph films; and sound recordings. Copyright registration under the act is not mandatory in Bangladesh and registration of any work under this act establishes only a prima facie evidence of ownership.

Copyright exists automatically immediately after a work is fixed, first published or recorded and no formalities are required for acquiring such exclusive right under the act. Ankit Sureka, Head of Corporate Communications and Sustainability of Banglalink, told The Business Post, “Being a compliant and law-abiding company, we fully respect the laws of the country, including the copyright laws. We have not received any official communication on this matter yet. Therefore, we cannot comment on the matter without having the full details.”