The Speakers lauded the significant role of Community Radios of Bangladesh for prevention of COVID-19 pandemic in the discussion meeting organized by community radios to mark the 27th World Press Freedom Day 2000.
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) was planned to observe the day in a different manner in line with the COVID-19: Challenges of Community Media to Ensure Free Flow of Information in the Crisis and Way Forward in Bangladesh with the support of Free Press Unlimited (FPU). 17 community radio stations have been broadcast a special online discussion meeting simultaneously.
A total of 51 discussants including Members of the Parliament (MPs) Deputy Commissioners, District Information officers, Upazila Executive Officers, Local Press Club Presidents, Journalists of local and National Print and Electronic Media, Executive Directors of NGOs, Advocates, General Secretary District Cultural Academy, Civil Society members, Chief Executives of Community Radio Stations, Academicians (University Professors, Principals of Government and Non-Government College, Head Teachers of Government and Non-Government Schools) were present and discuss on the theme.
The main objective of the program was to face challenges of Community Media to Ensure Free Flow of Information in the Crisis of COVID-19 in Bangladesh and undertake necessary measures to overcome through radio programs for prevention of COVID-19 pandemic and develop an effective coordination of Government and non-government organizations as well as civil society and community people.
The discussed issues were to provide information what role are playing community radios and local mass media for prevention of COVID-19 pandemic at community radio broadcasting areas. They discussed on the challenges of community radios have been facing for continuing their broadcasting in the COVID-19 crisis and Role of Local COVID-19: Corona prevention committee and government and non-government organizations for non-stop broadcasting program for COVID-19 pandemic prevention through community radio.
The discussants strongly demand for providing necessary support for continuing of Broadcasting of Community Radio Stations to the concern authorities. The demands are:
1. Upazila and District administration could buy airtime from Community Radio stations. Increase internet speed at community radio working areas and ensure uninterrupted electricity supply in the areas and mobile network to be strengthened.
2. The sponsors, donors, international organizations and Government Institutions are working for raising awareness for prevention of COVID-19 they should consider and provide priority to community radios for broadcasting of their campaign.
3. Local Members of the Parliament (MPs), Deputy Commissioner, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (Upazila Executive officer) can provide financial support to continue Coronavirus prevention campaign related activities.
4. Local Corona prevention committee members can participate spontaneously and provide online or phone in interview to the Community Radio Broadcasters on Corona prevention issues and latest status of the area and ensure bi-lateral cooperation with mutual understanding to intensify corona prevention programs.
5. Community radios stations are required Government urgent and sincere cooperation for taking financial support from Social Obligatory Fund (SOF). Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (BTRC) started raising the Social Obligatory Fund (SOF) in December 2012 by tapping 1 percent of mobile-phone operators’ income for connecting the unconnected rural people. Community radios stations bridging the information divide among rural and urban. The SOF, built with contributions from telecom operators, reached Tk. 1,411.90 crore in December 2018.
In this critical situation we had to celebrate the “World Press Freedom Day 2020”. The initiative was challenging but no doubt it would help to create a cultural bridge between media, government and the community.
Addressing this unprecedented situation, BNNRC has mobilized 17 Community Radios to animate CSOs, Government, health service providers and communities for reinforcing collective action, keeping community people’s daily life and livelihood functional, and mobilizing cooperation between the government, CSOs, local markets and communities’ response.
Community radios are now broadcasting 85 hours program on COVID–19 issues out of total 165 hours airing. 800 community broadcasters are not able to work due to the lock-down and only 200 community broadcasters are working through online.