POBNEWS24,Dhaka July 24, 2022 : Shakib Al Hasan, the test captain of the Bangladesh national cricket team, has sought compensation from the private mobile phone operator Banglalink and Jamuna Bank for illegally using the ‘brand image’ despite the expiry of the contract seven years ago.
Initially, he sent a legal notice to the chief executive officer of Banglalink and the managing director of Jamuna Bank on Sunday, seeking compensation of around Tk 6 crore. Supreme Court lawyer Ashraful Hadi sent the notice on his behalf by courier service and registry mail.
According to the notice, Banglalink Digital Communication Limited entered into an agreement with Shakib Al Hasan on 21 January 2014 for the limited use of the ‘brand image’ for commercial purposes.
Although the contract expired on January 21, 2016, evidence has been found that Banglalink is using Shakib Al Hasan’s brand image for commercial purposes.
Such illegal and unethical act apart from breach of contract, Section 26 of Digital Security Act 2018, Section 44 of Protection of Consumer Rights Act 2009, Section 82 of Copyright Act 2000 and Section 406 and 420 of Penal Code.
Apart from seeking compensation of Tk 5 crore 80 lakh 50 thousand, the notice has also requested Banglalink and Jamuna Bank not to illegally use Shakib Al Hasan’s picture, signature and brand image in advertisements. Apart from this, after the expiry of the contract period, Banglalink and Jamuna Bank have also asked for an account of how much profit they have made using the brand image of Shakib Al Hasan in the last seven years.
A written explanation of the complaint along with preliminary compensation is sought within seven days of receiving the notice. In case of failure, the notice threatened to take appropriate legal action including criminal proceedings.
When asked to know, Shakib Al Hasan admitted to sending a legal notice to Kal Kanth. He did not say anything else.
However, his lawyer Ashraful Hadi told Kal Kantha, ‘Recently my client came to know that Banglalink is still using its brand image even though the contract expired in 2016. Due to which notice has been given initially seeking compensation. ‘
When asked why the notice was sent to Jamuna Bank, this lawyer said, ‘Banglalink advertisement with Shakib Al Hasan’s picture is being circulated in Jamuna Bank’s booth. That means there is a business relationship between Banglalink and Jamuna Bank. Although indirectly, Jamuna Bank is using Shakib Al Hasan’s brand image. This lawyer said that this notice has also been given to Jamuna Bank.
