‘BBC portrayed true picture of liberation war’

Speakers at a discussion yesterday lauded the role of BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) for its objective role in covering the liberation war in 1971.
They also appreciated the role of BBC in the subsequent periods in establishing peoples' right to know.
The speakers said the state-owned media in Bangladesh should be autonomous and independent like BBC.
This will help improve the quality of journalism and establish democracy and good governance in the country, they added.
The discussion on 'Independence of newspapers and editorial policy of BBC' was organised by Bangladesh Institute of Law and International Affairs (Bilia) at its auditorium in the capital marking the 75th anniversary of BBC World Service.
"To me BBC appeared to be a partner of the liberation war in 1971 because it portrayed the true picture of the war," said History Professor of Dhaka University Dr Syed Anwar Hossain.
BBC always tries to be accurate in its news and analysis, he said, adding, "BBC was neither in favour of the war nor in favour of Pakistan. It reflected the true picture of the war. We are therefore grateful to BBC."
Its programmes on 'Best Bangalees' and 'Bangladesh through the river ways' are only a few examples of how effectively BBC played its role in this country.
Bilia Director Wali-ur Rahman said Pakistan used to term BBC Bharatiya Broadcasting Corporation for its objective news and analysis.
Head of BBC Bangla Service Sabir Mustafa said BBC was not in favour of any party during the liberation war, but what it did was providing true information to the listeners at home and abroad when Pakistan tried to influence many news media for not giving true picture of the war.
"That role of BBC in portraying the true picture of war went in favour of Bangladesh," he said, adding that BBC always tries to do balanced reporting.
He said there are around 20 million audiences of BBC Bangla service both in Bangladesh and India, and this number is likely to increase as it is going to add new elements in its programme.
Sabir admitted that BBC could not do sufficient investigative reporting due to lack of adequate strength in Bangladesh.
BBC was made autonomous by a law in the British Parliament, he said, adding that the state-owned BTV and Betar may also follow the same path for more independence.