Dhaka (BNNRC) 07 November, 2013: Ministry of Information (MOI) of Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh has primarily approved sixteen initiators to set up new community radio stations (2nd stage) the subject to receive security clearance from Ministry of Home Affairs, according to a reliable source.
To ensure free flow of information and people’s right to information government enacted Right to Information Act 2009. 2nd stage new community radio stations approval is a strong further step for voices to be heard in line with voices of the rural people in Bangladesh.
Earlier, in the 1st batch on 22 April, 2010, Ministry of Information has approved 14 community radio stations, the number stands on 16 by adding more 2 stations in the line soon. Presently, 14 community radio stations ushered a new era by rural broadcasting 106 hours programs daily within a listeners’ community of 4.6 million of 13 upazila of the country. These programs reflect the rights and scopes of the disadvantaged community people. This neo-media has produced a neo-generation of community radio broadcasters at rural level where a total of 536 youth and youth women are contributing creativity their time, effort and thus taking part in nation-building process.
The names 7 place of the initiating organizations received approval for primary set up of community radio stations in the 2nd phase are:
Progati Research on Grassroots Ownership and Traditional Initiative for Shaymnagar Upazila, Satkhira District ;
Aparajeyo Bangladesh for Pirganj Upazila, Rangpur District;
Bangla-German Sampreeti (BGS) for Tangail District ;
SKS Foundation for Sader of Gaibandha District ;
Voluntary Association for Rural Development (VARD) for Sunamganj District;
Somaj-O-Jati Gathan(SOJAG) for Dhamrai Upazila of Dhaka District ;
Shechashebi Bahumukhi Mahila Samajkallyan (SBSSS) for Boalia Upazila of Rajshahi District ;
Jyoti Development Foundation for Sadar Upazila of Kushtia District;
Institute of Development Affairs (IDEA) for South Surma, Sylhet District;
Nazrul Smriti Sangsad (NSS) for Kalapara Upazila of Patuakhali District;
Karmojibi Nari for Bheramara Upazila of Kushtia District ;
Bandhan Society for Muksedpur Upazila, Kishoreganj District ;
Patuakhali Development Organization (PDO) for Bauphal Upazila of Patuakhali;
Coastal Association for Social Transformation for Sadar Upazila of Cox’s Bazer ;
Program for Eco-Social Development (PESD) for Sherpur Upazila, of Bogra District &
Borendra Unnayan Prochasta for Sapura Upazila of Rajshahi.
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication express very heartiest congratulations to Ministry of Information for their efforts to approve more sixteen community radio stations on the basis of having their security clearance. BNNRC now started advocacy with the Government of Bangladesh to open up Community Television for Development. Hope that, community television will come into being within a short time in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication represents the community media sector to Government, Industry, Regulatory Bodies, Media and Development Partners in Bangladesh. The reality of today is that the bondage between the community people and local-level community radio stations are getting strengthened day-by-day. Community Radio has now become their part of life. Community Radio becomes the instrument for the livelihood battle of the rural people.
BNNRC has been struggling for the last 12 years to open up the community media (including Community Radio, Community Television and Community film) and giving focus on its vital role as voices of the voiceless people and has already established the Community Media News Agency (CMNA), Community Media Academy (CMA) and Monthly Community Media to share development news & building capacity for the Community Media sector in Bangladesh.