Govt working for expansion of media: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said the government has been working for the expansion of the media both in public and private sectors to ensure the free flow of information.
“The free flow of information is very much essential to develop an improved and time-befitting social system in the country,” she said while formally extending the broadcasting hours of the BTV's Chittagong station through videoconferencing from the Gono Bhaban.
The Chittagong station will telecast programmes for six hours a day, up from one and a half hours.
“Bangladesh Television always tries to discharge its responsibilities to people rather than making a profit,” she said, adding that education-oriented programmes can be aired on BTV which might not be possible on private television channels.
Hasina said the government has taken necessary steps to continue the expansion of electronic media, particularly television and radio stations.
She, however, stressed the need for broadcasting more programmes to create mass awareness about education and other pro-people issues.
Hasina said various state-run organisations like Bangladesh Betar, BTV, NIMC, PIB, DFP, Bangladesh Films and Television Institute and BFDC were working to provide information and entertainment to people as well as promote the country's own culture and tradition.
She hoped the Chittagong BTV would be able to promote local culture more easily following the extension of it broadcasting time.
She mentioned that the government so far gave approval to 32 TV channels, of which 23 are in operation.
Speaking at the function, Information Minister Hasanul Haque Inu said BTV's Chittagong station was upgraded considering special features of Chittagong, Chittagong Hill Tracts districts and Cox's Bazar.
Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment Affairs Minister Nurul Islam, Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan, Railways Minister Mazibul Hoque and Prime Minister's Media Adviser Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury were present.
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