3 community radio stations awarded

Three community radio stations yesterday received “Bangladesh Community Radio Award-2017” for creating awareness about child marriage in remote areas.

Those also spread knowledge of health issues and signal disasters.

Deutsche Welle Akademie, a Germany-based organisation for international media development, in association with Bangladesh Community Radio Association (BCRA) and channel-i, gave the awards.

The radio stations are Radio Nalta in Satkhira, Radio Bikrampur in Munshiganj and Radio Pallykantha in Moulvibazar.

The award giving ceremony was held at the channel-i premises in the capital.

The community radio award is the first of its kind recognising community radio stations for their contributions to the country.

Speaking as the chief guest, Narayan Chandra Shil, director general of Bangladesh Betar, said, “The community radios are reaching out to the communities that Bangladesh Betar cannot always.”

Michael Karhausen, head of Asia and Europe at Deutsche Welle Akademie, said community radio stations are important for the overall development of the media of Bangladesh.

Beatrice Kaldun, country representative of Unesco, said although there are various financial constrains, the community radio stations run their activities.