Allot frequencies to community radios

Speakers at a discussion yesterday urged the government to allot frequencies to all community radios that received broadcasting licence.
Out of 14 licence holders, only five have been given broadcasting frequencies in February 23, they said, adding that more community radios should be given licensces.
The opinions came at a discussion meeting titled “Community radios' role in implementing Right to Information Act”, jointly organised by Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) and Information Commission at the commission's conference room in the city.
The discussants said community radios could play a big role in spreading awareness about people's rights to information by broadcasting special programmes in local languages. The radios can inform people of their rights through musical performances, drama, talk shows, reports and news broadcasts, they said.
If mass awareness is created regarding Right to Information Act, the government would be more inclined to implement the new law, they added.
The discussants also called for integrated efforts from the community radios to help develop communities and bring people together.
Chief Information Commissioner Muhammad Jamir was present at the programme as the chief guest. BNNRC Chief Executive Officer AHM Bazlur Rahman and Nilfar Nazneen of Bangladesh Betar also spoke.