Copyright Clash: Grameenphone Faces Legal Notice over Baul Legend’s Songs
Grameenphone, the country’s leading mobile operator, has been accused of using copyrighted songs of Baul maestro Shah Abdul Karim in advertisements without permission. In response, a legal notice has been served to the company on behalf of the singer’s son, Shah Nurjalal, by Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Rajin Ahmed.
Speaking to the media, Shah Nurjalal said, “We are villagers, we do not understand much about the law. But what we do understand is that if someone uses our father’s songs for business purposes, they should seek our permission. If profit is made from those songs, we also deserve our share.”
The formal notice was submitted on August 27 to Grameenphone’s CEO, Yasir Azman. The operator was given seven days to comply, failing which civil and criminal lawsuits under the Copyright Act, 2023 would be pursued.
Barrister Rajin Ahmed remarked, “Shah Abdul Karim’s songs are not just music—they are part of Bangladesh’s cultural and spiritual heritage. Grameenphone has used two songs, ‘Rongila Barey’ and ‘Kon Mistiri Nou Banaiyachhe.’ Commercial use without consent is not only unlawful but deeply disrespectful. We will take the highest legal measures to protect his legacy.”
The notice alleges that Grameenphone used copyrighted works in both television and digital advertisements without license or approval—specifically citing a 2016 TV commercial uploaded to YouTube and a 2022 advertisement promoted on Facebook and YouTube. It adds that such use constitutes a violation of copyright law and the artist’s moral rights.
The demands in the notice include removing all infringing content from online and offline platforms within 72 hours, publicly acknowledging Shah Abdul Karim as the rightful creator, and issuing an official apology. Compensation of Tk 200 million has also been sought—Tk 100 million per song.
The allegations further cite unauthorized reproduction and broadcast of copyrighted works, denial of proper attribution, exploitation of the music for Grameenphone’s 4G promotions, and unjust financial gain at the expense of the rightful copyright holders.
The family demands immediate cessation of unauthorized use, removal of content across YouTube, Facebook, television, and other platforms, public acknowledgment, Tk 200 million in damages, and a written commitment that no further violations will occur.
The notice warns that failure to comply within seven days will result in civil and criminal proceedings, including claims for damages, destruction of infringing content, court injunctions, and potential criminal liability for Grameenphone’s directors and officials.
Grameenphone has not issued an immediate comment but has assured that it will respond by Tuesday, September 2.
