Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) and Free Press Unlimited – Netherlands, are jointly organising the Official Launch of Pioneering, Connecting & Empowering Voices for Change: Strengthening Community Radio in Bangladesh to Fight Poverty and Promote Development supported by the European Union on Sunday 1 September 2013, 10:00 – 12:30, Conference Room, IDB Bhaban, Sher-e-Bangla Nagor, Dhaka 1207
Under a strategy to promote an inclusive and empowered society in Bangladesh through facilitating Non-State Actors and Local Authorities’ participation in poverty reduction and sustainable development, the European Union is supporting a two-year project to strengthen community radio in Bangladesh to ensure empowerment, participation and right to information to the rural population of Bangladesh.
Mr. Martuza Ahmed, Secretary in Charge, Ministry of Information, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh has kindly confirmed to be present as a Chief Guest at the launch event.
Mr. Philippe Jacques, Head of Cooperation, EU Delegation to Bangladesh,Mr. Henrick-van Asch, First Secretary, Political Affairs of The Royal Netherlands Embassy in Bangladesh have kindly confirmed to be present as Special Guests.
The overall objectives are twofold. Firstly, to strengthen the capacity of community radios in Bangladesh as sources of information on important issues affecting the lives of marginalised groups and as platforms to encourage dialogue and participation of the poor and the voiceless in defining policies on poverty reduction. Secondly, to raise awareness and promote the active use of access to information as a tool to expose wrongdoing and fight corruption.
The launching ceremony will bring a broad range of project key stakeholders like community radio initiators and station managers, representatives from Government, Media, Development Partners and academicians. The launch will be an opportunity to learn more about the project, the activities and results already achieved, including the ways in which different stakeholders are involved. Following brief opening speeches and presentations, there will be time for questions and discussion.