Dhaka: Today is World Radio Day. The day will be celebrated worldwide through various programs. The theme of this year's World Radio Day is "Let us all listen to radio, have trust in radio”.
World Radio Day has been celebrated in Bangladesh since 2012 under the auspices of the Ministry of Information of the Government, with the participation of Bangladesh Betar, Private FM and Community Radio.
President Abdul Hamiid Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have given separate statements on the occasion.
In his message, the President said that radio is a powerful medium to ensure free flow of information. In an independent democracy, freedom of the media, respect for all kinds of opinions and unique content are among the hallmarks of media diversity. Independent media is a beacon for the welfare and liberation of the country and the nation.
The Prime Minister said the Awami League government has always played a leading role in the development of mass media in the country. He said that with the right message, direction, above all, various initiatives taken by the government to deal with Corona and the information needed to protect against this pandemic, radio has reached the common man and gained a place of trust.
Radio is still one of the most popular media in the world. Radio has the power to reach the most remote places in the world. The free spread of information technology has brought about a huge change in the world of broadcasting. It is also an important media in exchanging radio information in rural areas and remote areas.
Bangladesh has a historical similarity with the birth date of Bangladesh Betar. Radio started its journey in Bangladesh on December 16, 1939. Exactly 32 years later, on this very day, Bangladesh became an independent sovereign state with its final victory.
On the other hand, Bangladesh Betar was an essential companion of the freedom fighters in the liberation war in 1971. Bangladesh Betar is one of the sources of inspiration for the heroic army in the liberation war. Betar Kendra played an important role in the war of independence of Bangladesh in 1971. During the war it became an independent Bengali radio station.
The 'Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra', known as the Second Front of the Liberation War during the Great War of Liberation, was a strong propagandist of the liberation struggle of the Bengali nation. The timeless songs and programs broadcast from Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra have strengthened the morale of the freedom fighters on the one hand and inspired the people of the country towards independence on the other.
Earlier, the historic March 7th speech of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was aired on the radio on March 8 in the face of Pakistani dictatorship.
The success of community radio in Bangladesh is also great. Bangladesh is the only country in South Asia to have a comprehensive policy on community radio. With the participation of one thousand young women and youth, this new type of media is rapidly becoming popular.