Bangladesh Consultation on Fourth Annual Meeting of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) held on 31st October at Bangladesh Computer Council, Dhaka.
Mr. Hasanul Haque Inu, MP, Chairman, Parliamentary Standing Committee, Ministry of Post and Telecommunications attended the workshop as the Chief Guest while Mr. Akram H Chowdhury, MP, Chairperson, Center for e-Parliament Studis attended as the moderator of consultation.
The consultation jointly organized by Computer Jagat, Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC), Center for e-Parliament Studies and J.A.N Associates Ltd. This entire program was live casted through the website of Computer Jagat and facilitated online visitors to visit and post through online forum.
Three papers were presented to discuss the global, regional and national issues pertaining to IGF, to initiate discussion among civil society, government, technologists, research scientists, industry, media and academia. Mr. Md. Saifuddin Khalid, Lecturer, Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) presented focusing the global issue, Mr. Tarique M. Barkatullah, Senior Systems Analyst, Bangladesh Computer Council talked on national issues, and Mr. T. I. M. Nurul Kabir, CEO, Spinnovation Ltd. focused on the action plan for reaching national and international goals
In the open discussion session a significant number of action oriented suggestion were made to achieve national and IGF goals. The Bangladesh Working Group on IGF will be publishing report on the feedback from the Internet Stakeholders in Bangladesh.
Distinguished Member of Parliament (MP), Policy–Makers and Representatives from Government, Media, Academia, CSOs, and Corporate Sector participated in the Bangladesh Consultation.
Bazlu
______________________
AHM. Bazlur Rahman-S21BR
Chief Executive Officer
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication(BNNRC)
& Member, Strategy CouncilUN-Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UN GAID)
House: 13/1, Road:2, Shaymoli, Dhaka-1207 Post Box: 5095, Dhaka 1205 Bangladesh
Phone: 88-02-9130750, 88-02-913850101711881647 Fax: 88-02-9138501-105
E-mail: ceo@bnnrc.net, bnnrc@bd.drik.net www.bnnrc.net
Saturday, November 07, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Discussion on E-learning for All: Bridging the Digital Divide
Report on the
Discussion on E-learning for All: Bridging the Digital Divide
Dhaka, 20 February 2007
Organized By
Bangladesh NGO’s Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC)Introduction:
'Blended E-learning’ is the latest model of teaching for students of all societies. Before this it used to be assumed that only the rich section of society could access the tools of ICTs in education. But the research and theories of Dr. Badrul H. Khan on education has showed ways to increase accessibility of e-learning for all classes of people. To bridge the digital divide he emphasized to expand accessibility of e-learning and learners' need based education system.
Dr. Badrul H Khan made these recommendations in a discussion organized by Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) on ‘E-Learning for All: Bridging the Digital Divide’ at on 20 February, 2007 at its conference room. Dr. Badrul H Khan, President of Asian Virtual University, U.S.A. was the main speaker of the discussion. Around 25 ICT journalists of the national mass media, education experts and NGO activists participated in the discussion.
Mr. AHM Bazlur Rahman, the Chief Executive Officer of BNNRC welcomed the participants in the discussion and introduced Mr. Khan with the participants as a world famous personality for introducing unique models to e-learning. He informed that about 350 universities are now teaching his paper and his theory and practices are appreciated by every advanced university. About Dr. Badrul H. Khan: Dr. Badrul H Khan is the educationist, who revolutionized traditional teaching system with his ideas on ‘web based instruction’ and his theories on e-learning are spinning off more gateways to the innovative learning system. He taught at The George Washington University. Once he was president of the Association for Education and Technology (AECT), International Division. He is the President of Asian Virtual University, U.S.A. Currently he established a new kind of teaching institute named McWeadon University.
Why this discussion?
BNNRC always promotes the innovations, best practices, success stories etc in the field of ICT4D. Therefore it arranges seminar, discussion and briefing sessions time to time to share and disseminate information and knowledge to the like-minded organizations, individuals, experts. In the context of Bangladesh, web based E-learning is a new approach in the educational system.
The Presentation:
Dr. Badrul H. Khan explained his innovated E-learning system what he called 'Blended E-learning’ the latest model of teaching for students of all societies. Through a multi-media presentation he highlighted that before this it used to be assumed that only the rich section of society could access the tools of ICTs in education. But his research and theories on education has showed ways to increase accessibility of e-learning for all classes of people. To bridge the digital divide he emphasized to expand accessibility of e-learning and learners' need based education system.
Definition of Flexible Learning:
According to Dr. Bazlur H. Khan Flexible learning as an innovative approach for delivering well-designed, learner-centered, and interactive learning environments to anyone, anyplace, anytime by utilizing the attributes and resources of the Internet, digital technologies and other modes of learning in concert with instructional design principles.
Dr. Khan said that the meaningful learning framework can provide guidance the design, development, evaluation and implementation of:
- e-learning programs
- Blended learning programs
- Distance education programs
- Virtual Universities
- Learning Management systems
- Learning Content Management systems
Flexible learning is totally a learner – focused system. The successful flexible system involves a systematic process of planning, design, development, evaluation and implementation to create an environment where learning is actively fostered and supported. Therefore, a flexible learning system should be meaningful not only to learners, but also to all stakeholder groups.
Difference between traditional Instruction and Flexible Learning:
Traditional instruction is closed system; on the other hand, E-Learning is open and flexible. It extends the boundaries of learning so that learning can occur in classrooms, from home and in the workplace. A well-designed flexible learning course allows learners to become actively involved in their learning processes.
Internet and digital technologies have tremendous role in flexible learning. The Web provides an opportunity to develop new flexible learning experiences for students which have not been before. The internet, by its very nature, distributes resources and information, making it the tool of choice for those interested in delivering instruction using the distributed learning model.
Blended Approaches of various Learning Strategies:
E-Learning is basically a blended approach of offline and online learning; Self-Paced and Live, Collaborative Learning; Structured and Unstructured Learning; Custom content with Off the Shelf content; and learning, Practice and Performance support.
Framework for Flexible Learning:
There are eight categories of flexible learning. These are: Institutional, Management, Technological, Pedagogical, Ethical, Interface design, Resource support and Evaluation. Each category has several subcategories. Each subcategory consists of items or issues focused on a specific aspect of a learning environment.
The Framework can be used by the Ministry of Education to formulate and evaluate:
- E-Learning Policies for Education
- Accreditation Criteria for e Learning Program
- Technology Infrastructure for e learning program
- Research Funding Criteria for e learning Projects
- National Orientation Plan for e learners
- E- Learning Faculty and Staff Training
E-Learning and Bangladesh:
Criticizing the educational system of Bangladesh Mr. Khan mentioned in a disappointed tone that “Governments of many countries are asking for my suggestions to improve their education system. I regularly get their invitation to solve problems in the education field and they are greatly interested to adopt my model of e-learning. But it is painful to say that neither the Bangladesh government nor any private body has invited me so far in this regard”. “Unfortunately our government is not interested in training up teachers, who are becoming distant from the modern techniques of education. This has led most of them to become scared to learn new methodologies of teaching students”, Dr. Khan said.
There is a tremendous need for education and training professionals in Bangladesh and other Asian countries to have sound Instructional Design skills to create meaningful learning materials. To reduce the digital divide, E-Learning is essential in Bangladesh. He expressed his willingness to contribute in the educational system of Bangladesh through his flexible learning system.
The discussion was moderated by Mr. Shahidul K K Shuvra, IT page Editor of The Independent. He said that Dr Badrul H Khan's books have been translated into all major languages, unfortunately, we have failed to translate his books as yet. To bridge digital divide we should explore models of his education theories on e-learning and popularise his ideas in our country based on Bangla e-learning materials.
Questions and Answers:
After the presentation he gave answers of different questions made by the ICT journalists of the media.
Is E-Learning fit for Bangladesh context where the rate of computer uses low? asked a journalist.
Dr. Khan replied that Bangladesh is very much suitable for e-learning.
Teachers should need to change their mind-set. Teachers should be friendly rather than dominating.
E-Learning will create more digital divide in the country, commented another journalist.
The speaker disagreed with the comment. Earlier, he mentioned that E-learning is a blended approach of different methods. So the suitable methods should be incorporated with the existing method.
Is it authentic?
Certificate is not the final solution. Receiving training on e-learning one can play role.
How the NGOs can use E-Learning system in their education program?
Dr Monzur Ahmed of BRAC University commented that his University isconducting a programme on e-learning and some of the expertise they acquired on the subject needs to be implemented in a satisfactory way.
Participants List:
Mr. Jabed Sultan Pias
Contributing Reporter
The Daily Prothom Alo
Mr. J. Selim
Mr. Tareq Ahmed
Chief Executive
The Other Vision
Mr. M. A. Haque Anu
Assistant Editor
Computer Jagat
Mr. Md. Faizullah
Secretary General
Association for Youth & Cultural Organization
Mr. Edward Apurba Singha
The Daily Star
Mr. Washim Uddin
Prof. Lutfor Rahman
Ex-VC
Purdra University
Mr. Mr. Shahidul K K Shuvra
Reporter
The Daily Independent
10. Mr. Md. Biozid Jessore
Journalist
The Daily Amar Desh
11. Mr. Ziaur Rahman
CEO
International Institute of Technology & Management
12. Mr. Md. Sarwar Hossain
Foundation for Education Research & Innovation
13. Mr. Anir Chowdhury
Foundation for Education Research & Innovation
14. Mr. Monzur Mahmud
Bytes for All Bangladesh
15. Mr. Manzoor Ahmed
Institute of Education
BRAC University
16. Mr. Syeed Milky
UNICEF
17. Ms. Shamima Akhter
ESHO
Internet Governance Forum(IGF): Global, Regional and National Perspective
Recommendations of the
National Seminar on Internet Governance:
Global, Regional and National Perspective
Organized Jointly By
The Monthly Computer Jagat
and
National Seminar on Internet Governance:
Global, Regional and National Perspective
Organized Jointly By
The Monthly Computer Jagat
and
Bangladesh NGO’s Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC)
Introduction
The internet is a public, global system of inter connected commercial, academic, household and government network. Unlike most communications media, Internet technology is based on global, open and nonproprietary standards. The mixed of open standards, diverse networks and the growing ubiquity of digital devices makes the internet a revolutionary force that undermines traditional media such as newspapers, broadcasting and telephone systems and challenges existing regulatory institutions based on national boundaries.
Internet policy affects a wide range of social issues. If affects who gets to participate in the online economy. If affects intellectual property- witness the attempts to control and regulate Internet-based communication in order to protect copyrights and trademark. It determines who gets access to the key technical resources, such as domain names and IP address, that make Internet service possible.
As target of government surveillance, it affects privacy and civil liberties. It affects freedom of expression, forcing the worlds diverse polices to be harmonized. It provokes devotes over the global balance of power, as the US government holds unilateral control of internet resources through ‘ Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Number- ICANN’, against the will of users and governments in Europe, Asia, Latin America and Africa.
The creation of ICANN in November 1998 has given the debate on Internet governance a new focus.
Why the seminar?
The objectives of the seminar is Review the present situation and practice of the internet governance in Bangladesh; Role of the government of Bangladesh on internet governance; Role of the different sectors to disseminate information up to rural level through internet.
In this perspective both the organizations of the said seminar on Internet governance apprehend that with the passing of time the debate is becoming more and more comprehensive. Even it touches the global forum like UN.
The WSIS Geneva Action Plan has requested the UN Secretary General to open a process that ensures a mechanism for the full and active participations of governments, the private sector and civil society from both developing and developed countries, involving relevant intergovernmental and International organizations and forums to investigate and make proposals for actions appropriate on Internet governance.
Following this UN Secretary General convened a new forum for multi-stakeholder policy dialogue- the Internet Governance Forum (IGF). The next meeting of IGF is scheduled to be held over four days from 30 October to 2 November, 2006 and it is disclosed that the overall theme of the meeting will be ‘Internet Governance for Development’.
With a intension to have a national say from Bangladesh to that forum’s next meeting both the organizers felt the to do this a national seminar would do better in this regard and to the seminar was resulted.
The seminar that was
The seminar tilled as ‘Internet Governance: Global, Regional and National Perspective’ was held on 14 October, 2006 at Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh .while advisory member to the UN Internet Governance Forum Abdullah H Kafi, acted as the moderator.
The Chief Executive of Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication AHM Bazlur Rahman deliver his welcome speech first in the seminar, key note paper present by Information and Communication specialist TIM Nural Kabir. The summery of the seminar is present by Editor in Charge of monthly Computer Jagat Mr Golap Monir and thanks given by Assistant Editor of Computer Jagat M. A. Haque Anu .
The keynote paper was presented by TIM Nurul Kabir, an expert on this subject, while the seminar was attended by represented by deferent sections, like business forums, NGOs, Media etc. Seminar participants proposed different models for the process of establishing a Internet Governance mechanism acceptable to the people around the goal keeping in mind that the main theme should be ‘Internet Governance for Development’.
The participants stressed on for broad themes as recommended by IGF and they are: Openness- freedom expression, free flow of information, ideas an knowledge; Security- creating trust and confidence through collaboration; Diversity-promoting multilingualism and local content; Access- Internet Connectivity: policy and cost.
During the discussion the participants repeatedly mentioned the there we should have a Internet governance system- in the global, regional and national perspective- that allows the internet users freely to their development works and not a single country should control the internet system.
The Recommendations
After the keynote presentation and penal discussion a general discussion was also held during the seminar. An in the light of the opinions passed by participants a set of recommendations was prepared later on to placed before IGF meeting to be convened between 30 October-2 November, 2006 in Athens, Greece,
Here are the recommendations:
We endorse recommendations of APC, UNESCO, WGIG, It for change-India and Amnesty International for their position of Internet Governance.
01. The structure of Internet Governance should address the will of people across the globe.
02. The structure should follow the IGF’s recommended broad themes: Openness, Security, Diversity and Access.
03. As regards openness the Internet Governance System itself should guarantee the freedom of expression free flow of information, ideas and knowledge for the people in all corners of the globe.
04. As regards security thrust should be given to create trust and confidence through collaboration.
05. There should have an diversity efforts to promote multilingualism and local content.
06. The governance should be such one that allows the have-nots of the globe an easy access through cost-effective connectivity.
07. The seminar participants strongly felt that it is absolutely against the will of global people that the US government holds the unilateral control of internet resource and that should have an immediate end of it.
08. The participants also maintain that the process which ICANN has used to make decision- on everything from the appointed of the Board of Directions and fees for registering domain names to its recent Registry Agreement with Network Solutions and its adaptation of the Registrar Accreditation Agreement, despite serious objection to the latter- is secretive and undemocratic.
09. ICANN has already exceeded its scope of authority and threatens to continue to extend to reach to issues over which it has no legitimate control. It ICANN succeeds in its immediate mission, than it will be the institution most well-placed to take on broader governance role in the future as questions about the privacy and protecting intellectual property become even more presses.
10. If we have an international organization like ITU, to govern the Internet, there should have multi-stakeholders representation, not by government representation only.
11. The issues of Internet governance not only in the global but also in the regional and national level should put into our pipe as well.
12. The participants opine that whatever would be the Internet governance agency of the future it should not be like the WTO one.
For Bangladesh:
13. Reform the Government Organization in Bangladesh like Bangladesh Telegraph and Telephone Board (BTTB) and Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) which is related with Internet Governance. Ensuring Civil Society participation in reform process.
14. Take initiatives, to widely circular about the duties and responsibilities of this organization by Government.
15. The stakeholders group those who are related with Internet service in Bangladesh, urgently prepare an action plan for them to build up internet connect in rural areas.
16. The stakeholders group those who are related with WSIS process in Bangladesh. Urgently prepare an action plan for them to implement the WSIS Action plan in Bangladesh.
-----------------------------------------------------
The internet is a public, global system of inter connected commercial, academic, household and government network. Unlike most communications media, Internet technology is based on global, open and nonproprietary standards. The mixed of open standards, diverse networks and the growing ubiquity of digital devices makes the internet a revolutionary force that undermines traditional media such as newspapers, broadcasting and telephone systems and challenges existing regulatory institutions based on national boundaries.
Internet policy affects a wide range of social issues. If affects who gets to participate in the online economy. If affects intellectual property- witness the attempts to control and regulate Internet-based communication in order to protect copyrights and trademark. It determines who gets access to the key technical resources, such as domain names and IP address, that make Internet service possible.
As target of government surveillance, it affects privacy and civil liberties. It affects freedom of expression, forcing the worlds diverse polices to be harmonized. It provokes devotes over the global balance of power, as the US government holds unilateral control of internet resources through ‘ Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Number- ICANN’, against the will of users and governments in Europe, Asia, Latin America and Africa.
The creation of ICANN in November 1998 has given the debate on Internet governance a new focus.
Why the seminar?
The objectives of the seminar is Review the present situation and practice of the internet governance in Bangladesh; Role of the government of Bangladesh on internet governance; Role of the different sectors to disseminate information up to rural level through internet.
In this perspective both the organizations of the said seminar on Internet governance apprehend that with the passing of time the debate is becoming more and more comprehensive. Even it touches the global forum like UN.
The WSIS Geneva Action Plan has requested the UN Secretary General to open a process that ensures a mechanism for the full and active participations of governments, the private sector and civil society from both developing and developed countries, involving relevant intergovernmental and International organizations and forums to investigate and make proposals for actions appropriate on Internet governance.
Following this UN Secretary General convened a new forum for multi-stakeholder policy dialogue- the Internet Governance Forum (IGF). The next meeting of IGF is scheduled to be held over four days from 30 October to 2 November, 2006 and it is disclosed that the overall theme of the meeting will be ‘Internet Governance for Development’.
With a intension to have a national say from Bangladesh to that forum’s next meeting both the organizers felt the to do this a national seminar would do better in this regard and to the seminar was resulted.
The seminar that was
The seminar tilled as ‘Internet Governance: Global, Regional and National Perspective’ was held on 14 October, 2006 at Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh .while advisory member to the UN Internet Governance Forum Abdullah H Kafi, acted as the moderator.
The Chief Executive of Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication AHM Bazlur Rahman deliver his welcome speech first in the seminar, key note paper present by Information and Communication specialist TIM Nural Kabir. The summery of the seminar is present by Editor in Charge of monthly Computer Jagat Mr Golap Monir and thanks given by Assistant Editor of Computer Jagat M. A. Haque Anu .
The keynote paper was presented by TIM Nurul Kabir, an expert on this subject, while the seminar was attended by represented by deferent sections, like business forums, NGOs, Media etc. Seminar participants proposed different models for the process of establishing a Internet Governance mechanism acceptable to the people around the goal keeping in mind that the main theme should be ‘Internet Governance for Development’.
The participants stressed on for broad themes as recommended by IGF and they are: Openness- freedom expression, free flow of information, ideas an knowledge; Security- creating trust and confidence through collaboration; Diversity-promoting multilingualism and local content; Access- Internet Connectivity: policy and cost.
During the discussion the participants repeatedly mentioned the there we should have a Internet governance system- in the global, regional and national perspective- that allows the internet users freely to their development works and not a single country should control the internet system.
The Recommendations
After the keynote presentation and penal discussion a general discussion was also held during the seminar. An in the light of the opinions passed by participants a set of recommendations was prepared later on to placed before IGF meeting to be convened between 30 October-2 November, 2006 in Athens, Greece,
Here are the recommendations:
We endorse recommendations of APC, UNESCO, WGIG, It for change-India and Amnesty International for their position of Internet Governance.
01. The structure of Internet Governance should address the will of people across the globe.
02. The structure should follow the IGF’s recommended broad themes: Openness, Security, Diversity and Access.
03. As regards openness the Internet Governance System itself should guarantee the freedom of expression free flow of information, ideas and knowledge for the people in all corners of the globe.
04. As regards security thrust should be given to create trust and confidence through collaboration.
05. There should have an diversity efforts to promote multilingualism and local content.
06. The governance should be such one that allows the have-nots of the globe an easy access through cost-effective connectivity.
07. The seminar participants strongly felt that it is absolutely against the will of global people that the US government holds the unilateral control of internet resource and that should have an immediate end of it.
08. The participants also maintain that the process which ICANN has used to make decision- on everything from the appointed of the Board of Directions and fees for registering domain names to its recent Registry Agreement with Network Solutions and its adaptation of the Registrar Accreditation Agreement, despite serious objection to the latter- is secretive and undemocratic.
09. ICANN has already exceeded its scope of authority and threatens to continue to extend to reach to issues over which it has no legitimate control. It ICANN succeeds in its immediate mission, than it will be the institution most well-placed to take on broader governance role in the future as questions about the privacy and protecting intellectual property become even more presses.
10. If we have an international organization like ITU, to govern the Internet, there should have multi-stakeholders representation, not by government representation only.
11. The issues of Internet governance not only in the global but also in the regional and national level should put into our pipe as well.
12. The participants opine that whatever would be the Internet governance agency of the future it should not be like the WTO one.
For Bangladesh:
13. Reform the Government Organization in Bangladesh like Bangladesh Telegraph and Telephone Board (BTTB) and Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) which is related with Internet Governance. Ensuring Civil Society participation in reform process.
14. Take initiatives, to widely circular about the duties and responsibilities of this organization by Government.
15. The stakeholders group those who are related with Internet service in Bangladesh, urgently prepare an action plan for them to build up internet connect in rural areas.
16. The stakeholders group those who are related with WSIS process in Bangladesh. Urgently prepare an action plan for them to implement the WSIS Action plan in Bangladesh.
-----------------------------------------------------
Bangladesh National Consultation on Youth and ICT for Development
Event Concept Note
Bangladesh National Consultation on Youth and ICT for Development
Event Title: Bangladesh National Consultation on Youth and ICT for Development: Youth and ICT as Agents for Change on the eve of Global Forum on Youth and ICT for Development.
Organized By: Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) and Young Power in Social Action (YPSA).
Possible Collaboration: Ministry of Social Welfare of GOB and UNDP.
Possible date and Place: 20 or 22 September, 2007 BRACINN/ LGED (Half Day- Afternoon)
Background Information:
In an increasingly globalized world, the impact of ICTs in the economic, social, cultural, political and individual spheres of life has dramatically transformed societies the world over. Often, it is the younger generations who feel more comfortable using Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to further expand their knowledge. This allows them to take charge of their learning processes and seek to adapt, adopt and leverage different technologies, separately and in conjunction with one another, to harness their own skills and learn by teaching themselves.
Given the demographic significance of the global youth population and the keen interest of this age group in ICT, it is imperative to assess how ICT has transformed the lives of youth around the world, how the youth have influenced their own lives and those of their communities, how they are shaping the lives of future generations, and how communities, national governments and the international community can assist in the realization of global youth development using ICT. In addressing the issue of youth and ICT, it is important to bear in mind that the needs, requirements, hopes and expectations of the youth can vary tremendously from one region to another and from one country to another.
Justification of Bangladesh Consultation:
The Bangladesh consultation is basically a pre-consultation of the forthcoming Global Forum on Youth and ICT for Development to be held at Geneva, Switzerland during 24 – 26 of September, 2007. It aims towards sharing the global initiatives with the people of Bangladesh, in particular from the perspective of youth community’s access and involvement in the areas of ICT in Education, ICT in Health, ICT in Youth Entrepreneurship and ICT in Governance and thus create a linkage between global and local perspective.
When it comes to ICTs and development, youths are definitely the key stakeholder. The Bangladesh government’s youth policy identifies youth as the future leaders of a progressive nation. It also acknowledges that young people are the early adopters and adapters of ICTs which is proven by the existing dominant leadership in this sector.
Moreover, this initiative is also necessary to represent the Bangladeshi youth views, provide them a platform to raise their concerns and voice on the issue of youth and ICTs. Alongside, it will create an opportunity for coalition among the government, civil society, media, academia and the youth community at large.
In addition, since the first WSIS summit and in accordance with the action plan taken there, the Bangladesh government has stated it’s commitment to build a knowledge based Society. This is also represented with the introduction of a forward looking national ICT policy and initiatives for its implementation. The Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) (policy matrix 08) of Bangladesh also clearly outlines government’s plans and realization to utilize ICTs for development. Target 18 under goal 08 of the MDGs also states the need of broad based partnerships and initiatives of making available ICTs for all. The Bangladesh consultation is one such initiative to carry forward these planned activities and to aware all relevant stakeholders in this regard.
Objective:
- To share the concept of Global Forum on Youth and ICT for Development with the policy makers, civil society, academia, media and the youth community at large.
- To uphold the views and opinions of all relevant stakeholders.
- To reflect the output of the national consultation at the global forum and thus ensure proper representation of Bangladesh.
- To engage youth in debates and discussions with their peer representatives, policy makers, technology leaders and others in exploring ways to empower the community and to participate more fully in society through the appropriate and responsible use of ICT.
- Sharing of learning from Global forum after consultation with stakeholders at National and local level of Bangladesh.
Participants:
# Representatives of Youth ministry
# Representatives of ICT ministry
# Civil society organizations with special focus on Youths and ICTs for
development.
# Media
# Academia
# Youth representatives from different parts of Bangladesh.
Expected Outcomes:
# 1 national consultation meeting will be organized at Dhaka City.
# Around 100 people (50% youth) will physically participate in the event.
# The participants will learn and share about the four thematic areas including ICT in Education, ICT in Health, ICT in Youth Entrepreneurship and ICT in Governance.
# 2 thematic papers will be presented and discussed one on behalf of youth community of Bangladesh and one from the perspective of academia analysis of present situation.
Bangladesh National Consultation on Youth and ICT for Development
Event Title: Bangladesh National Consultation on Youth and ICT for Development: Youth and ICT as Agents for Change on the eve of Global Forum on Youth and ICT for Development.
Organized By: Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) and Young Power in Social Action (YPSA).
Possible Collaboration: Ministry of Social Welfare of GOB and UNDP.
Possible date and Place: 20 or 22 September, 2007 BRACINN/ LGED (Half Day- Afternoon)
Background Information:
In an increasingly globalized world, the impact of ICTs in the economic, social, cultural, political and individual spheres of life has dramatically transformed societies the world over. Often, it is the younger generations who feel more comfortable using Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to further expand their knowledge. This allows them to take charge of their learning processes and seek to adapt, adopt and leverage different technologies, separately and in conjunction with one another, to harness their own skills and learn by teaching themselves.
Given the demographic significance of the global youth population and the keen interest of this age group in ICT, it is imperative to assess how ICT has transformed the lives of youth around the world, how the youth have influenced their own lives and those of their communities, how they are shaping the lives of future generations, and how communities, national governments and the international community can assist in the realization of global youth development using ICT. In addressing the issue of youth and ICT, it is important to bear in mind that the needs, requirements, hopes and expectations of the youth can vary tremendously from one region to another and from one country to another.
Justification of Bangladesh Consultation:
The Bangladesh consultation is basically a pre-consultation of the forthcoming Global Forum on Youth and ICT for Development to be held at Geneva, Switzerland during 24 – 26 of September, 2007. It aims towards sharing the global initiatives with the people of Bangladesh, in particular from the perspective of youth community’s access and involvement in the areas of ICT in Education, ICT in Health, ICT in Youth Entrepreneurship and ICT in Governance and thus create a linkage between global and local perspective.
When it comes to ICTs and development, youths are definitely the key stakeholder. The Bangladesh government’s youth policy identifies youth as the future leaders of a progressive nation. It also acknowledges that young people are the early adopters and adapters of ICTs which is proven by the existing dominant leadership in this sector.
Moreover, this initiative is also necessary to represent the Bangladeshi youth views, provide them a platform to raise their concerns and voice on the issue of youth and ICTs. Alongside, it will create an opportunity for coalition among the government, civil society, media, academia and the youth community at large.
In addition, since the first WSIS summit and in accordance with the action plan taken there, the Bangladesh government has stated it’s commitment to build a knowledge based Society. This is also represented with the introduction of a forward looking national ICT policy and initiatives for its implementation. The Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) (policy matrix 08) of Bangladesh also clearly outlines government’s plans and realization to utilize ICTs for development. Target 18 under goal 08 of the MDGs also states the need of broad based partnerships and initiatives of making available ICTs for all. The Bangladesh consultation is one such initiative to carry forward these planned activities and to aware all relevant stakeholders in this regard.
Objective:
- To share the concept of Global Forum on Youth and ICT for Development with the policy makers, civil society, academia, media and the youth community at large.
- To uphold the views and opinions of all relevant stakeholders.
- To reflect the output of the national consultation at the global forum and thus ensure proper representation of Bangladesh.
- To engage youth in debates and discussions with their peer representatives, policy makers, technology leaders and others in exploring ways to empower the community and to participate more fully in society through the appropriate and responsible use of ICT.
- Sharing of learning from Global forum after consultation with stakeholders at National and local level of Bangladesh.
Participants:
# Representatives of Youth ministry
# Representatives of ICT ministry
# Civil society organizations with special focus on Youths and ICTs for
development.
# Media
# Academia
# Youth representatives from different parts of Bangladesh.
Expected Outcomes:
# 1 national consultation meeting will be organized at Dhaka City.
# Around 100 people (50% youth) will physically participate in the event.
# The participants will learn and share about the four thematic areas including ICT in Education, ICT in Health, ICT in Youth Entrepreneurship and ICT in Governance.
# 2 thematic papers will be presented and discussed one on behalf of youth community of Bangladesh and one from the perspective of academia analysis of present situation.
Accountability
As BNNRC has assigned to manage the secretariat of this consultation, the undersigned will take all the responsibility of this project in abiding all reporting and accountability requirement.
Prepared and submitted by:
AHM Bazlur Rahman-S21BR
Chief Executive Officer
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication
House: 13/1 Road: 2 Shamoli, Dhaka 1207
As BNNRC has assigned to manage the secretariat of this consultation, the undersigned will take all the responsibility of this project in abiding all reporting and accountability requirement.
Prepared and submitted by:
AHM Bazlur Rahman-S21BR
Chief Executive Officer
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication
House: 13/1 Road: 2 Shamoli, Dhaka 1207
Workshop on E-inclusion and Media for Indigenous People in Bangladesh
Project Concept Note:
Workshop on E-inclusion and Media for Indigenous People
ORGANISATIONAL PROFILES:
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC):
Vision and Mission Statements As it was set, the vision of the network is “BNNRC do like to see the rural people has the easy, quick and low cost access to global communication so that they are enrich and updated by knowledge." Mission of the network “In view of the value “Communication is not a privilege it has become a basic human rights”, the BNNRC trust will organize strategically important activities, studies, advocacy so that the population of the rural areas will have easy, manageable and low cost communication facilities”. In respect of the change in name the basic logic is not to limit the work only to the coastal areas that the network should work all over the country. Accordingly, initiatives have already taken to reshape or increase the membership especially with proper representation of the regions of the country.
BNNRC now strive for following core interventions to achieve UN World Summit on the Information Society(UN WSIS) action plan, Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity and (Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) in Bangladesh;
1. Awareness on correlations of ICT, poverty alleviation and Institutionalization of Democracy and Right to Information(RTI)
2. Establishment of ICT Resource Center and Promotion of Radio Listeners Club as primary ICT catalyst in remote rural areas;
3. Advocacy and Campaign for Bridging the Digital Divide/Information Divide/Knowledge Divide and open up air waves for Community Radio - voices for the voice-less;
4. Piloting ICT4D projects at rural areas to create show case examples for greater multiplication through Rural Knowledge Center(RKC)/ Telecenter.
5. Establishment of Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services (RACES) for Disaster Preparedness and Risk Reduction through Amateur Radio (HAM Radio)promotion .6. Establishment of People's Right in Telecommunication/ Global Commons/Country
Commons. 7. To Promote the adoption of Free/Open Source Software(FOSS), open standards, and open content for development
8. Building Capacity for ICT Journalist
Origin, Legal Entity and Policy Making:
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) is a changed name of Bangladesh Coastal NGO Network for Radio and Communication (BCNNRC).
BNNRC is a national networking body working for building a democratic society based on the principles of free flow of information, equitable and affordable access to Information, Communication Technology (ICT) for remote and marginalized population.
BNNRC is registered with the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, as a trust and NGO Affairs Bureau, Office of the Prime Minister, Government of Bangladesh according to the foreign donation (Voluntary Activities) regulation ordinance 1978 as an organization on Information, Communication and Technology for Development (ICT4D) established in 2000 as per Article 19 charter of UN bill of rights.
The Board of Trustee (BoT) has been formed with Mr. Rafiqul Alam as Chairperson, Mr. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury as Vice-Chairperson, Mr. Zahurul Haque Bali as Vice-Chairperson, Md. Arifur Rahman as Treasurer and AHM Bazlur Rahman as Chief Executive Officer.
Background
Indigenous peoples continue to feature among the least-served sections of many societies. They face a diverse range of issues and concerns associated with their status and their interaction with other cultural groups, and changes in their inhabited environment. These issues include cultural and linguistic preservation, land rights, ownership and exploitation of natural resources, political determination and autonomy, environmental degradation and incursion, high rates of poverty, poor health, substandard education and discrimination.
The adoption on 12th September 2007 by the United Nations General Assembly of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples reflects the continuing concern that indigenous peoples suffer from historic injustices that still prevent them from exercising their right to development. The Declaration further welcomes the fact that indigenous peoples are organizing themselves for political, economic, social and cultural enhancement; acknowledging that they have the right to maintain and strengthen their distinct political, legal, economic, social and cultural institutions, while retaining their right to participate fully, if they so choose, in the political, economic, social and cultural life of the State.
Moreover, the Declaration affirms several key rights that indigenous peoples retain, including the following;
• The right to revitalize, use, develop and transmit to future generations their histories, languages, oral traditions, philosophies, writing systems and literatures.
• The right to establish their own media in their own languages and to have access to all forms of non-indigenous media.
• The right to the improvement of their economic and social conditions, including education, employment, training, housing, sanitation, health and social security.
• The right to maintain, control, protect and develop their cultural heritage, traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions, as well as the manifestations of their sciences, technologies and cultures, including human and genetic resources, seeds, medicines, knowledge of the properties of fauna and flora, oral traditions, literatures, designs, sports and traditional games and visual and performing arts.
• The right to maintain, control, protect and develop their intellectual property over such cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and traditional cultural expressions.
Many of the problems that the Declaration addresses are not exclusive to indigenous peoples. Some are typical of those that suffer from one or more of the various manifestations of social exclusion; yet the Declaration affirms the specificity of the problems of indigenous peoples and the particular difficulties that they face in overcoming them. Social exclusion describes a process by which certain groups are systematically disadvantaged because they are discriminated against on the basis of their ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, caste, descent, gender, age, disability, HIV status, migrant status or where they live.
Discrimination occurs in public institutions, such as the legal system or education and health services, as well as social institutions like the household. Building socially inclusive societies based on the values of equality and non-discrimination is critical if all peoples are to be able to claim their human rights.1
Alongside such affirmations, solutions to the problems of social exclusion are actively being sought, developed and implemented with the help of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and new media; comprising computers and the internet and also the more traditional forms of print, radio and television as well as the newer mobile and wireless technologies. ICTs, often in the form of community-based telecentres and/or Community TV/Radio broadcasting,( New and old technology) are rapidly spreading throughout the rural and sometimes isolated areas in which many indigenous peoples live, offering them opportunities to deal with some, potentially all, of the issues highlighted by the Declaration.
Many NGOs in Bangladesh are setting up rural telecentres and other communication channels towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals and Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) as well as greater levels of social inclusion, giving rise to the concept of e-inclusion. E-inclusion adopts ICTs and new media as strategic tools for achieving social and economic inclusion; raising living standards and providing opportunities for underserved sections of society for full and equal participation in the processes of globalisation and democratic governance from which indigenous societies are often excluded.
Such implementations have special relevance for indigenous peoples: i) they address the specifics of the Declaration; ii) they acknowledge the underserved and excluded status of indigenous peoples; and iii) they provide a communication channel for indigenous voice and self expression, and for information-intensive development activities that has hitherto been denied to remote and isolated communities.
Objectives of the Workshop
The overall objectives of the workshop are to:
• Raise awareness by sharing good practices on ICT and media for indigenous peoples
• Brainstorm on and develop proposals for modalities and mechanisms for increasing e-inclusion for Asia’s Indigenous Peoples
• Formulate an agenda on e-inclusion in the context of United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
• Obtain inputs to create a knowledge primer on e-inclusion for indigenous peoples
• Develop a strategy for producing a knowledge portal for Asia’s Indigenous Peoples
More specifically the workshop seeks to;
• Bring together practitioners and indigenous peoples to share their knowledge and to develop proposals for increasing e-inclusion for the indigenous peoples.
• Solicit contributions from the indigenous community, arising from the review and from their own evaluations and aspirations, for the continued development of e-services for enhancing their level of e-inclusion within Bnagladeshi society in particular, within the wider processes of globalisation and towards the achievement of the principles of the Declaration.
• Raise awareness, through the sharing of experiences and ideas, among other indigenous communities, within hilly district and beyond, of the opportunities and potential for ICTs and new media to enhance the prospects for elevated levels of e-inclusion for them.
• Propose appropriate modalities and mechanisms that will accelerate the pace towards e-inclusion for the world’s indigenous peoples, including a time-based action plan with follow-up mechanisms to determine benchmarks and the measurement of progress.
• Formulate a proposal for a network of indigenous peoples’ telecentres that will foster the exchange of experiences and knowledge towards accelerating the pace of achieving e-inclusion for the indigenous peoples.
• Establish Rights of Indigenous Peoples, that will highlight their rights of access to information and the required access to contemporary ICTs and new media that will enable indigenous peoples to exercise such rights towards enhanced levels of e-inclusion.
Workshop concept and location
The workshop will take place in 3 hilly districts like Rangamati, Khagrachori and Bandarban.
Follow-up actions
BNNRC will use the workshop as the foundation for developing a project on e-inclusion for 3 hilly districts Indigenous Peoples. The workshop is therefore intended to take stock and get a lay of land of the current situation and to develop ideas as well as identifying needs, opportunities and setting priorities for future high impact actions in the realm of access to information, independent media development and ICT for 3 hilly districts Indigenous Peoples. The major outputs of the workshop will also be presented at Dhaka through a national level seminar.
BNNRC Partners: Proposed
Young Power in Social Action (YPSA)
ICIMOD
District Press Club (3)
Contacts :
AHM Bazlur Rahman-S21BR
Chief Executive Officer
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication
& Member, Strategy Council
UN-Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UN GAID)
House: 13/1 Road: 2
Shamoli, Dhaka 1207
www.bnnrc.net
Workshop on E-inclusion and Media for Indigenous People
ORGANISATIONAL PROFILES:
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC):
Vision and Mission Statements As it was set, the vision of the network is “BNNRC do like to see the rural people has the easy, quick and low cost access to global communication so that they are enrich and updated by knowledge." Mission of the network “In view of the value “Communication is not a privilege it has become a basic human rights”, the BNNRC trust will organize strategically important activities, studies, advocacy so that the population of the rural areas will have easy, manageable and low cost communication facilities”. In respect of the change in name the basic logic is not to limit the work only to the coastal areas that the network should work all over the country. Accordingly, initiatives have already taken to reshape or increase the membership especially with proper representation of the regions of the country.
BNNRC now strive for following core interventions to achieve UN World Summit on the Information Society(UN WSIS) action plan, Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity and (Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) in Bangladesh;
1. Awareness on correlations of ICT, poverty alleviation and Institutionalization of Democracy and Right to Information(RTI)
2. Establishment of ICT Resource Center and Promotion of Radio Listeners Club as primary ICT catalyst in remote rural areas;
3. Advocacy and Campaign for Bridging the Digital Divide/Information Divide/Knowledge Divide and open up air waves for Community Radio - voices for the voice-less;
4. Piloting ICT4D projects at rural areas to create show case examples for greater multiplication through Rural Knowledge Center(RKC)/ Telecenter.
5. Establishment of Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services (RACES) for Disaster Preparedness and Risk Reduction through Amateur Radio (HAM Radio)promotion .6. Establishment of People's Right in Telecommunication/ Global Commons/Country
Commons. 7. To Promote the adoption of Free/Open Source Software(FOSS), open standards, and open content for development
8. Building Capacity for ICT Journalist
Origin, Legal Entity and Policy Making:
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) is a changed name of Bangladesh Coastal NGO Network for Radio and Communication (BCNNRC).
BNNRC is a national networking body working for building a democratic society based on the principles of free flow of information, equitable and affordable access to Information, Communication Technology (ICT) for remote and marginalized population.
BNNRC is registered with the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, as a trust and NGO Affairs Bureau, Office of the Prime Minister, Government of Bangladesh according to the foreign donation (Voluntary Activities) regulation ordinance 1978 as an organization on Information, Communication and Technology for Development (ICT4D) established in 2000 as per Article 19 charter of UN bill of rights.
The Board of Trustee (BoT) has been formed with Mr. Rafiqul Alam as Chairperson, Mr. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury as Vice-Chairperson, Mr. Zahurul Haque Bali as Vice-Chairperson, Md. Arifur Rahman as Treasurer and AHM Bazlur Rahman as Chief Executive Officer.
Background
Indigenous peoples continue to feature among the least-served sections of many societies. They face a diverse range of issues and concerns associated with their status and their interaction with other cultural groups, and changes in their inhabited environment. These issues include cultural and linguistic preservation, land rights, ownership and exploitation of natural resources, political determination and autonomy, environmental degradation and incursion, high rates of poverty, poor health, substandard education and discrimination.
The adoption on 12th September 2007 by the United Nations General Assembly of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples reflects the continuing concern that indigenous peoples suffer from historic injustices that still prevent them from exercising their right to development. The Declaration further welcomes the fact that indigenous peoples are organizing themselves for political, economic, social and cultural enhancement; acknowledging that they have the right to maintain and strengthen their distinct political, legal, economic, social and cultural institutions, while retaining their right to participate fully, if they so choose, in the political, economic, social and cultural life of the State.
Moreover, the Declaration affirms several key rights that indigenous peoples retain, including the following;
• The right to revitalize, use, develop and transmit to future generations their histories, languages, oral traditions, philosophies, writing systems and literatures.
• The right to establish their own media in their own languages and to have access to all forms of non-indigenous media.
• The right to the improvement of their economic and social conditions, including education, employment, training, housing, sanitation, health and social security.
• The right to maintain, control, protect and develop their cultural heritage, traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions, as well as the manifestations of their sciences, technologies and cultures, including human and genetic resources, seeds, medicines, knowledge of the properties of fauna and flora, oral traditions, literatures, designs, sports and traditional games and visual and performing arts.
• The right to maintain, control, protect and develop their intellectual property over such cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and traditional cultural expressions.
Many of the problems that the Declaration addresses are not exclusive to indigenous peoples. Some are typical of those that suffer from one or more of the various manifestations of social exclusion; yet the Declaration affirms the specificity of the problems of indigenous peoples and the particular difficulties that they face in overcoming them. Social exclusion describes a process by which certain groups are systematically disadvantaged because they are discriminated against on the basis of their ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, caste, descent, gender, age, disability, HIV status, migrant status or where they live.
Discrimination occurs in public institutions, such as the legal system or education and health services, as well as social institutions like the household. Building socially inclusive societies based on the values of equality and non-discrimination is critical if all peoples are to be able to claim their human rights.1
Alongside such affirmations, solutions to the problems of social exclusion are actively being sought, developed and implemented with the help of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and new media; comprising computers and the internet and also the more traditional forms of print, radio and television as well as the newer mobile and wireless technologies. ICTs, often in the form of community-based telecentres and/or Community TV/Radio broadcasting,( New and old technology) are rapidly spreading throughout the rural and sometimes isolated areas in which many indigenous peoples live, offering them opportunities to deal with some, potentially all, of the issues highlighted by the Declaration.
Many NGOs in Bangladesh are setting up rural telecentres and other communication channels towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals and Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) as well as greater levels of social inclusion, giving rise to the concept of e-inclusion. E-inclusion adopts ICTs and new media as strategic tools for achieving social and economic inclusion; raising living standards and providing opportunities for underserved sections of society for full and equal participation in the processes of globalisation and democratic governance from which indigenous societies are often excluded.
Such implementations have special relevance for indigenous peoples: i) they address the specifics of the Declaration; ii) they acknowledge the underserved and excluded status of indigenous peoples; and iii) they provide a communication channel for indigenous voice and self expression, and for information-intensive development activities that has hitherto been denied to remote and isolated communities.
Objectives of the Workshop
The overall objectives of the workshop are to:
• Raise awareness by sharing good practices on ICT and media for indigenous peoples
• Brainstorm on and develop proposals for modalities and mechanisms for increasing e-inclusion for Asia’s Indigenous Peoples
• Formulate an agenda on e-inclusion in the context of United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
• Obtain inputs to create a knowledge primer on e-inclusion for indigenous peoples
• Develop a strategy for producing a knowledge portal for Asia’s Indigenous Peoples
More specifically the workshop seeks to;
• Bring together practitioners and indigenous peoples to share their knowledge and to develop proposals for increasing e-inclusion for the indigenous peoples.
• Solicit contributions from the indigenous community, arising from the review and from their own evaluations and aspirations, for the continued development of e-services for enhancing their level of e-inclusion within Bnagladeshi society in particular, within the wider processes of globalisation and towards the achievement of the principles of the Declaration.
• Raise awareness, through the sharing of experiences and ideas, among other indigenous communities, within hilly district and beyond, of the opportunities and potential for ICTs and new media to enhance the prospects for elevated levels of e-inclusion for them.
• Propose appropriate modalities and mechanisms that will accelerate the pace towards e-inclusion for the world’s indigenous peoples, including a time-based action plan with follow-up mechanisms to determine benchmarks and the measurement of progress.
• Formulate a proposal for a network of indigenous peoples’ telecentres that will foster the exchange of experiences and knowledge towards accelerating the pace of achieving e-inclusion for the indigenous peoples.
• Establish Rights of Indigenous Peoples, that will highlight their rights of access to information and the required access to contemporary ICTs and new media that will enable indigenous peoples to exercise such rights towards enhanced levels of e-inclusion.
Workshop concept and location
The workshop will take place in 3 hilly districts like Rangamati, Khagrachori and Bandarban.
Follow-up actions
BNNRC will use the workshop as the foundation for developing a project on e-inclusion for 3 hilly districts Indigenous Peoples. The workshop is therefore intended to take stock and get a lay of land of the current situation and to develop ideas as well as identifying needs, opportunities and setting priorities for future high impact actions in the realm of access to information, independent media development and ICT for 3 hilly districts Indigenous Peoples. The major outputs of the workshop will also be presented at Dhaka through a national level seminar.
BNNRC Partners: Proposed
Young Power in Social Action (YPSA)
ICIMOD
District Press Club (3)
Contacts :
AHM Bazlur Rahman-S21BR
Chief Executive Officer
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication
& Member, Strategy Council
UN-Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UN GAID)
House: 13/1 Road: 2
Shamoli, Dhaka 1207
www.bnnrc.net
The Bangladesh Gazette
Additional Copy
Published by Authority
MONDAY, April 6, 2009
Bangladesh National Parliament
Dhaka, 6 April, 2009/ 23 Chaitra 1415, BS
Following Law adopted by the Parliament was consented by the President on 5th April 2009 ( 22 Chaitra, 1415 BS) and it is therefore being published for information of general public
20 no. law of 2009
The law to make provisions for ensuring free flow of information and people’s right to information.
Whereas freedom of thought , conscience and speech is recognized in the Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh as one of the fundamental rights and right to information is an inalienable part of freedom of thought, conscience and speech; and
Whereas all powers of the Republic belong to the people, and it is necessary to ensure right to information for the empowerment of the people; and
Whereas, if the right to information of the people is ensured, transparency and accountability in all public, autonomous and statutory organisations and in other private institutions run on government or foreign funding shall increase, corruption of the same shall decrease and good governance of the same shall be established; and
Whereas it is expedient and necessary to make provisions for ensuring transparency and accountability in all public, autonomous and statutory organisations and in other private institutions run on government or foreign funding;
Therefore following law has been promulgated
Chapter 1
Introductory
1. Short title and commencement.- (1) This law may be called the Right to Information law, 2009.
(2) Of this law,
(a), all the sections except sections 8, 24 and 25 shall come into force immediately; and
(b) sections 8, 24 and 25 shall come into force on the (ninetieth) working day from the date of commencement of this law and
2. Definition. - Unless there is anything repugnant to the subject or context, in this Law-
(a) " Appellate Authority" means-
(i) in case of a information providing unit, the administrative head of its immediate superior office; or
(ii) if there be no superior office of such unit , the administrative head of that unit ;
(b) " Authority" means
(i) any organization constituted in accordance with the Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh;
(ii) any ministry, division or office established under the Rules of Business made under Article 55(6) of the Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh;
(iii) any statutory body or institution established by or under
any Act or Law;Additional Copy
Published by Authority
MONDAY, April 6, 2009
Bangladesh National Parliament
Dhaka, 6 April, 2009/ 23 Chaitra 1415, BS
Following Law adopted by the Parliament was consented by the President on 5th April 2009 ( 22 Chaitra, 1415 BS) and it is therefore being published for information of general public
20 no. law of 2009
The law to make provisions for ensuring free flow of information and people’s right to information.
Whereas freedom of thought , conscience and speech is recognized in the Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh as one of the fundamental rights and right to information is an inalienable part of freedom of thought, conscience and speech; and
Whereas all powers of the Republic belong to the people, and it is necessary to ensure right to information for the empowerment of the people; and
Whereas, if the right to information of the people is ensured, transparency and accountability in all public, autonomous and statutory organisations and in other private institutions run on government or foreign funding shall increase, corruption of the same shall decrease and good governance of the same shall be established; and
Whereas it is expedient and necessary to make provisions for ensuring transparency and accountability in all public, autonomous and statutory organisations and in other private institutions run on government or foreign funding;
Therefore following law has been promulgated
Chapter 1
Introductory
1. Short title and commencement.- (1) This law may be called the Right to Information law, 2009.
(2) Of this law,
(a), all the sections except sections 8, 24 and 25 shall come into force immediately; and
(b) sections 8, 24 and 25 shall come into force on the (ninetieth) working day from the date of commencement of this law and
2. Definition. - Unless there is anything repugnant to the subject or context, in this Law-
(a) " Appellate Authority" means-
(i) in case of a information providing unit, the administrative head of its immediate superior office; or
(ii) if there be no superior office of such unit , the administrative head of that unit ;
(b) " Authority" means
(i) any organization constituted in accordance with the Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh;
(ii) any ministry, division or office established under the Rules of Business made under Article 55(6) of the Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh;
(iii) any statutory body or institution established by or under
(iv) any private organisation or institution run on government funding or with help from the government exchequer;
(v) any private organisation or institution run on foreign funding;
(vi) any organisation or institution that undertakes public functions in accordance with any contract made on behalf of the Government or made with any public organisation or institution; or
(vii) any organisation or institution as may be notified in the official gazette from time to time by the Government ;
(c) “officer” means an employee also;
(d) “information providing unit” means-
(i) head office, divisional office, regional office, district office or sub-district (upazila) office of any department, directorate or office attached to or under any ministry, division or office of the government;
(ii) head office, divisional office, regional office, district office or sub-district (upazila) office of an authority;
(e) “Information Commission” means the Information Commission established under section 11;
(f) “Information” includes any memo, book, design, map, contract, data, log book, order, notification, document, sample, letter, report, accounts, project proposal, photograph, audio, video, drawing, painting, film,any instrument done through electronic process, machine readable record, and any other documentary material regardless of its physical form or characteristics, and any copy thereof in relation to the constitution, structure and official activities of any authority:
provided that note-sheets or copies of note-sheets shall not be included in it;
(g) “right to information” means the right to obtain information from any authority;
(h) Schedule means Schedule of this law
(i) “third party” means any other party associated with information, other than that applying for information or any authority providing such information;
(j) “officer in charge” means any officer employed under section 10;
(k) “prescribed” means prescribed by the Rules;
(l) “regulation” means any regulation made under section 34;
(m) “selection Committee” means the selection committee constituted under section 14;
(n) “rules” mean any rule made under section 33.
3.Overriding effect of this law: Of any existing law-
(a) provisions relating to providing information shall not be affected by the provisions of this law; and
(b) provisions creating impediment in providing information, if they become conflicting with the provisions of this law shall be superseded by the provisions of the law.
Chapter 2
Right to, Preservation of, Publication of and Access to Information
4. Right to information. – Subject to the provisions of this law, every citizen shall have the right to information from the authority, and the authority shall, on demand from a citizen, be bound to provide him information.
5. Preservation of Information. - (1) In order to ensure right to information under this law, every authority shall prepare catalogue and index of all information and preserve it in an appropriate manner.
(2) Every authority shall within a reasonable time-frame preserve in computer all information that it thinks fit for preservation in computer, and shall connect them through a country-wide network to facilitate access to information.
(3) The Information Commission shall, by regulations, frame instructions to be followed by every authority for the preservation and management of information, and all authority shall follow the instructions..
6. Publication of Information .- (1) Every authority shall publish and publicise all information pertaining to any decision taken, proceeding or activity executed or proposed by indexing them in such a manner as may easily be accessible to the citizens.
(2) In publishing and publicising information under sub-section (1), no authority shall conceal any information or limit its easy access.
(3) Every authority shall publish a report every year which shall contain the following information, namely:-
(a) particulars of its organisational structure, activities, responsibility of the officers and employees, and description and process of decision making;
(b) lists of all laws, acts, law, rules, regulations, notifications, directives, manuals etc of and classification of all information lying with the authority;
(c) description of the terms and conditions under which a citizen may get services from the authorities in obtaining any license, permit, grant, consent, approval or other benefits and of such conditions, that require the authority to make transactions or enter into agreements with him;
(d) particulars of the facilities ensuring right to information of the citizens, and the full name, designation, address, and, in cases where applicable, fax number and e-mail address of the assigned officer.
(4) If the authority frames any policies or takes any decisions important , it shall publish all such policies and decisions and shall, if necessary, explain the reasons and causes in support of such policies and decisions.
(5) The report prepared by authority under this section shall, free of charge, be made easily available for public information and its copies shall be stocked for sale at nominal price.
(6) All publications made by the authority shall be made easily available to the public at reasonable price.
(7) The authority shall publish and publicise matters of public interest through press note or through any other means.
(8) The Information Commission shall, by regulations, frame instructions to be followed by the authority for publishing, publicising and obtaining information.
7. Publication of or providing certain types of information not mandatory. – Notwithstanding anything contained in any other provisions of this law, no authority shall be bound to provide following information, namely-
(a) any such information that may, if disclosed, pose to be a threat to the security, integrity and sovereignty of Bangladesh;
(b) any such information relating to any foreign policy that may offend the existing relationship with any foreign country or international organisation or any regional bloc or organization;
(c) any secret information received from a foreign government;
(d) any information relating to inherent secrets of commercial or business nature, copyright or intellectual property that may, if published, harm the intellectual property right of a third party.
(e) any of the following information that may, if disclosed, be gainful or damaging to any particular individual or organization, such as:-
(i) any advance information about income tax, customs, VAT and law relating to excise duty, about budget or change in the tax rate;
(ii) any advance information about changes related to exchange rate and interest rate;
(iii) any advance information about the management and supervision of the financial institutions including banks;
(f) any such information that may, if disclosed, obstruct the enforcement of law or incite any offence;
(g) any information that might, if disclosed, endanger the security of public or impede the due judicial process of a pending case;
(h) any information that might, if disclosed, offend the privacy of the personal life of an individual;
(i) any information that might, if disclosed, endanger the life or physical safety of any person;
(j) any information given in confidence to any law enforcement organization by a person;
(k) any matter pending in any court of law and which has been expressly forbidden to be published by any court of law or tribunal or the disclosure of which may constitute contempt of court;
(l) any information that may, if disclosed, impede the process of investigation;
(m) any information that may, if disclosed, affect any criminal investigation process and arrest or prosecution of offenders;
(n) any such information which is, according to law, liable to be published only for a certain period of time;
(o) any information that is generated through technical or scientific experiment, and is expedient to keep secret for strategic or commercial reasons;
(p) any information pertaining to a purchase process before it is complete or a decision has been taken about it;
(q) any information that may be prejudicial to the special rights of the National Parliament;
(r) any secret information of a person which is protected by law;
(s) any advance information relating to question papers of an examination or marks obtained;
(t) any document including summaries to be placed before the Cabinet, or as the case may be, Council of Advisers and information relating to discussions and decisions of such meetings:
Provided that the decisions of Cabinet or as the case may be, Council of Advisors, , reasons thereof, and the basis upon which the decisions are taken, may be made public.
Further provided that the relevant authority shall take prior approval from Information Commission for withholding information under this section.
8. Request for Information.- (1) Under this law a person may apply to the officer-in-charge requesting for information either in writing or through electronic media or through email.
(2) The request made under sub-section (1), shall include the following information, namely:-
(i) name, address of the person making request, in applicable cases, his fax number and email address;
(ii) correct and clear description of the information sought for;
(iii) other related information so that the location of the information sought for may be easily found out;
(iv) description of the modes how he wants to have the information, namely making inspection, having copy, taking note or any other approved method.
(3) The request for information under this section shall be made in a form printed by the authority, or as the case may be, in prescribed format:
Provided that if the form is not printed or is not easily available or if the format has not yet been prescribed, request may be made for information by inserting information mentioned in sub-section (2) on a piece of white paper, or in electronic media or through email.
(4) In the case of obtaining information under sub-section (1), the person making the request shall pay reasonable fee as may be prescribed by the officer-in-charge for such information.
(5) The government may, in consultation with the Information Commission, fix the fees for having any information by notification in the official gazette, and, if necessary, and may fix the price of information, or as the case may be, may exempt an individual or a class of individuals or any other class from paying such price.
(6) Every authority shall prepare and publicise a list of information to be supplied free of cost upon an instruction of the Information Commission.
9. Procedure for providing information.- (1) The designated officer shall, on receipt of a request under sub-section (1) of section 8, provide the information to the applicant within 20 (twenty) working days from the date of receiving the request.
(2) Despite anything contained in sub-section (1), if more that one unit or authority is involved with the information sought for, such information may be provided within 30 (thirty) working days.
(3) Despite anything contained in sub-section (1) and (2), if the officer-in-charge fails to provide the information sought for due to any reason, he shall inform the applicant the reasons thereof in writing within 10(ten) working days.
(4) Despite anything contained in sub-section (1) and (2), if a request made under sub-section (1) of section 8 is relating to the life and death, arrest and release from jail of any person, the officer-in-charge shall provide preliminary information thereof within 24 (twenty-four) hours.
(5) Where the officer-in-charge fails to provide information within the time-frame as mentioned in sub- section (1), (2) and (4), it shall be presumed that the request for information has been rejected.
(6) When any information sought for is available with the officer-in-charge, he shall fix a reasonable price of that information and shall request the applicant to pay the price within 5(five) working days.
(7) For determining the price under sub-section (6), the price shall not exceed the actual expense of printing, electronic format or photocopying or print-out..
(8) Where an officer-in-charge thinks that the request made for information under sub-section (1) section 8, is appropriate, and such information is supplied by a third party or a third party’s interest is involved in it and the third party is considering it as secret information; the officer-in-charge shall cause a notice to be served upon the third party within 5( five) working days for written or oral opinion, and if the third party gives any opinion in response to such notice, the officer in charge shall take into consideration such opinion and make a decision in respect of providing information to the applicant.
(9) Despite anything contained in section 7, no request for information may be totally rejected on the ground that part of it is associated with information that is not mandatory for publication, and the portion of the information that is not prohibited and is reasonably separable from the portion that is not mandatory for publication shall be provided to the applicant.
(10) Where access to the record or a part thereof is required to be provided to a perceptual handicapped, the Officer in charge shall provide assistance to him to enable him to access such information, including such assistance as may be appropriate for any inspection.
.
Chapter 3
Designated Officer
10. Designated Officer-.(1) Within 60 (sixty) days of the commencement of this law, all authorities existing prior to such commencement shall nominate a designated officer for each of the units for providing information according to the provisions of this law.
(2) Within 60 (sixty) days of the commencement of this law, all authorities established after such commencement shall nominate a designated officer for each of the units for providing information according to the provisions of this law.
(3) Within 60 (sixty) days of the commencement of this law, all offices established after such commencement shall nominate a designated officer for each of the units for providing information according to the provisions of this law.
(4) All authorities shall inform the Information Commission the names, designation, address and, in cases where applicable, fax number and email addresses of the designated officer appointed under sub-section (1), (2) and (3) within 15(fifteen) working days from the date such appointments.
(5) A designated officer discharging his duty under this law may seek the support from other officer and the officer whose support is sought shall be bound to extend necessary help to the offer-in-charge.
(6) Where a designated officer seeks support from other officer under sub-section (5) and due to failure to extent support by such other officer, any provision of the law is contravened, such other officer shall be deemed to the officer-in-charge for determining the liability under this law.
Chapter 4
Establishment of Information Commission, etc.
11. Establishment of Information Commission (1) After the commencement of this law, as soon as possible, a commission under the name the Information Commission shall, for carrying out the purposes of this Law and in accordance with the provisions of this law, be established.
(2) The Commission shall be an independent statutory body and shall have perpetual succession and a common seal and subject to the provisions of this law, shall have powers to acquire both movable and immovable properties, own and alienate such properties and shall have the right to sue and be sued by its own name.
(3) The Information Commission shall have its headquarters in Dhaka and in case of necessity may establish branch offices anywhere in Bangladesh.
12. Composition of the Commission: (1) The Commission shall consist of the Chief Information Commissioner and 2 (two) other Commissioners, at least 1 (one) of whom shall be a woman.
(2) The Chief Information Commissioner shall be the Chief Executive of the Commission.
(3) No action and proceeding of the Commission shall be rendered unlawful or no question shall be raised about those because of any vacancy in any membership or flaw in the composition of the Commission.
13. Powers and functions of the Information Commission: (1) If any person files a complaint ano of he reasons of the following, the Information Commission shall, subject to the provisions of this law, receive, inquire into and dispose of such complaint, namely-
(a) non-appointment of an Officer- in -charge by any authority, or its refusal to accept a request for information;
(b) refusal upon request for information;
(c) a request for information has been left unatended or no information received within the time limit specified under this Law;
(d) if the applicant is asked for a fee or compelled to pay an amount of fee which he considers to be unreasonable;
(e) if the applicant is supplied with incomplete information or such information that appears to be misleading or false; and
(f) any other matter relating to requesting or obtaining information under this law.
(2) The Information Commission may, on its own accord or upon a complaint, conduct an inquiry under this law.
(3) The Information Commission, or as the case may be, the Chief Information Commissioner or Information Commissioners, may exercise such powers as a civil court may excercise under Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (Act V of 1908) in repect of the following matters, namely:—
(a) summon and enforce the attendance of persons and compel them to give oral or written evidence on oath and to produce the documents or things;
(b) examine and inspect information;
(c) receive evidence on affidavit;
(d) produce any information from any office;
(e) issue summons for witnesses or documents; and
(f) any other matter which may be prescribed to carry out the purposes of this law.
(4) Notwithstanding anything contained contrary in other laws, while inquiring a complaint under this law, the Information Commission, or as the case may be, the Chief Information Commissioner or Information Commissioners, may examine on spot any information relating to the complaint kept in the custody of any authority.
(5) The Information Commission shall have the following functions, namely:-
(a) issue directives for the preservation, management, publication, publicity of and access to information by the authority;
(b) prescribe the procedure for applying for information from the authority and as the case may be, fix appropriate price of information;
(c) formulate guidelines and directives as to the preservation and implementation of the right to information of the citizens;
(d) in order to preserve the right to information, consider the provisions recognized under the Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh or any other law for the time being in force and recommend to the Government for their effective implementation by indicating the impediments;
(e) identify the impediments against the preservation and implementation of right to information of the citizens and recommend to the Government the appropriate solution;
(f) conduct research on the agreements related to the right to information and other international instruments and recommend to the Government for their implementation;
(g) examine the similarities of the prevailing law related to the maintenance and implementation of the right to information of the citizens and make necessary recommendation to the government, or as the case may be to the appropriate authority in order to ensure their harmonization with the international instruments;
(h) advise Government to ratify or sign any international instrument on right to information;
(i) conduct research on preservation and implementation of the right to information and contribute in the educational and professional institution for their implementation;
(j) work in order to increase awareness about the right to information by publishing, disseminating or any other means the issues related to the preservation and implementation of the right to information among different classes of citizens of the society;
(k) advise and provide assistance to the Government in order to make necessary laws and administrative directives for preservation and implementation of right to information;
(l) advise and provide assistance to the organizations or institutions who are working for the preservation and implementation of the right to information and to citizens in general;
(m) increase public awareness on right to information by conducting research, seminars, symposiums, workshops and similar other measures and disseminate the result obtained from the research;
(n) give the authority technical and other assistance with the aim to ensuring right to information;
(o) establish a web portal for Bangladesh to ensure right to information;
(p) oversee the actions taken under any other laws relating to preservation and realization of the right to information.
14. Selection Committee: (1) With a view to providing recommendation for the appointment of the Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners, there shall be a Selection Committee consisting of the following 5 (five) members: orkers.
(a) a judge of the Appellate Division, nominated by the Chief Justice, who shall be the Chairperson of the Committee;
(b) the Cabinet Secretary to the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh;
(c) one member each from the ruling party and the opposition, nominated by the Speaker while the Parliament is in session;
(d) A government nominated representative involved in Journalism profession equivalent to editor or prominent member of the society related to mass communication
(2) The Ministry of Information shall constitute the selection committee under sub-section (1) and shall provide necessary secretarial assistance to the committee.
(3) Presence of at least 3 (three) members shall constitute quorum of the Selection Committee meetings.
(4) The Selection Committee shall, in order to appoint the Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners, on the basis of the majority decision of the members present at the meeting, recommend 2 (two) names against each vacant post.
(5) In the case of a tie in the Selection Committee, the Chairperson shall have the right to a casting vote.
(6) The Selection Committee shall prescribe the procedure of its meetings.
(7) No question shall be raised and no actions and proceedings of the Selection Committee shall be rendered unlawful only because of any vacancy in the post of any member or any flaw in the composition of the Committee.
15. Appointment, tenure and resignation etc. of the Chief Information Commissioner and other Commissioners.- (1) The President shall, on the recommendation of the selection committee, appoint the Chief Information Commissioner and other Information Commissioners:
(2) No Chief Information Commissioner or other Information Commissioner shall be eligible to get appointment or hold office after he has attained the age of 67 (sixty-seven) years.
(3) The Chief Information Commissioner and other Information Commissioner shall hold office for a term of 5 (five) years from the date of appointment or till he attains the age of 67 (sixty-seven) years, whichever is earlier.
(4) The Chief Information Commissioner or other Information Commissioner shall not be eligible for reappointment for the same post, but an Information Commissioner shall not be ineligible for appointment to the post of Chief Information Commissioner.
(5) Subject to the provisions of this section, the Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners shall be appointed from amongst persons with broad knowledge and experience in law, justice, journalism, education, science, technology, information, social service, management, or public administration.
(6) The Chief Information Commissioner or an Information Commissioners may, at any time, by a letter signed by him and addressed to the President, resign from his office.
(7) In the case of vacancy in the post of the Chief Information Commissioner or in the case of his absence, illness or, if the Chief Information Commissioner is unable to perform his duties for any other reason, the senior-most Information Commissioner shall temporarily perform the duties of the Chief Information Commissioner until a newly appointed Chief Information Commissioner joins the post or until the Chief Information Commissioner is able to resume his own duties.
16. Removal of the Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners: (1) The Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners shall not be removed for any reason and procedure other than the reasons and procedure applicable for a Judge of the Supreme Court.
(2) Notwithstanding anything mentioned in sub-section (1), the President may remove the Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioner from their respective office, if he-
(a) is adjudged insolvent by any appropriate court of law;
(b) engages during his term of office in any paid employment outside the duties of his office;
(c) is adjudged a lunatic by any appropriate court of law;
(d) is convicted of an offence which involves moral turpitude.
17. Salaries, Allowances and other facilities of the members: The rank, remuneration, allowances and other facilities of the Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners shall be determined by the government.
18. Meetings of the Commission: (1) Subject to the provisions of this law, the Commission shall determine the procedure of its meetings.
(2) The Chief Information Commissioner shall preside over all the meetings of the Commission and in the case of his absence, any other Information Commissioner selected by him, shall preside over the meeting.
(3) Presence of any one (1) from among the Information Commissioner and the Chief Information Commissioners shall constitute quorum in commission meetings.
(4) Every member shall have one vote each in taking any decision in meetings of the commission and in the case of a tie, the President of the meeting shall have the right to a casting vote.
Chapter 5
Financial issues of the Information Commission
19. Information Commission Fund.- (1) To carry out the purposes of this law a fund, called the Information Commission Fund, shall be constituted.
(2) Subject to this Section and the provisions of the rules, the management and administration of the Information Commission Fund (hereinafter referred to as ‘the fund’) shall be vested in the Commission.
(3) The salaries and allowances of the members, officers and employees of the Commission shall be borne from the fund in accordance with the terms and conditions of their service and other expenses of the Commission shall also be borne from this fund.
(4) The following money shall be deposited in the fund, namely-
(a) annual grant given by the Government;
(b) grant given by any institution with the approval of the Government.
20. Budget.- The Information Commission shall, within the time determined by the Government, submit the coming year’s budget in appropriate form specified by the government for approval of the government and shall mention therein how much money it may require from the government.
21. Financial independence of the Information Commission.-(1) The Government shall, after due consideration of the commission,s requisition, allocate specified amount of money to defray its expenses and the Information Commission need not to take government approval to spend the allocated money against the approved and prescribed heads.
(2) It shall not be interpreted that the rights of the Comptroller and Auditor General as mentioned in Article 128 of the Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh is curtailed by this section..
22. Accounts and audit: (1) The Commission shall maintain its accounts properly and prepare an annual statement of accounts.
(2) The Comptroller and Auditor General of Bangladesh, hereinafter referred to as the Auditor General, shall audit the account of the Commission every year and shall submit one copy of the audit report to the Government and one copy to the Commission.
(3) In order to conduct the audit in accordance with sub-section (2), the Auditor General or any person empowered by him on this behalf mayl examine all records, documents and papers, cash or money kept in the bank, undertakings, treasury and other properties and may ask any member or any officer or employee of the Commission.
Chapter 6
Officers and Employees of Information Commission
23. Officers and Employees of the Information Commission: (1) There shall be a Secretary of the Commission.
(2) The Commission may, subject to the prior approval of the Government in respect of the organizational organogram, appoint such number of officers and employees as may be necessary for the efficient performance of its functions under this law.
(3) The salaries, allowances and other terms and conditions of service of the Secretary and other officers and employees shall be prescribed by the rules.
(4) The Government may, upon request from the commission, appoint on deputation to the commission from among the officer or employee of the Republic.
,
Chapter 7
Appeal, Complaint etc.
24. Appeal, Disposal etc.- (1) Any person who receives no decision within the time specified in sub-section (1), (2) and (4) of section 9, or is aggrieved by a decision of the Officer in Charge, may, within 30 (thirty) days from the expiry of such period or as the case may be from the receipt of such a decision, prefer an appeal to the Head of the office of the concerned authority.
(2) If the appellate authority is satisfied that the appellant for any reasonable cause fails lodge an appeal within time frame as mentioned in sub-section (1), it may accept the appeal even after the expiry of that time.
(3) The appellate authority shall within 15 (fifteen) days of the receipt of the appeal under sub-section (1) or (2) –
(a) direct the concerned officer-in-charge to supply requested information; and
(b), dispose the appeal if it is not considered fit for acceptance.
(4) The officer-in-charge on being directed to supply information under sub-section(3) shall, within the time specified in section 9, and as the case may be under sub-section (1), (2) or (4), provide the appellant the requested information.
25. Complaint, Disposal etc.- (1) A person may lodge a complain with the Information Commission for any of the following reasons, namely:-
(a) if he gets no information under sub-section (1) of section 13;
(b) if he is aggrieved by the decision on his appeal under section 24;
(c) if he gets no information within the time-frame mentioned in section
24 or, as the case may be, no decision regarding getting
information.
(2) A complaint may be lodged with the Information Commission at any time in respect of any matter mentioned in sub-section (1) (a), and within 30(thirty) days from the date of such decision or as the case may be, the date of exceeding the time limit in respect of any matter mentioned in sub-section (1) (b) and (c).
(3) If the Information Commission is satisfied that the complainant for any reasonable cause fails to lodge a complaint within time frame as mentioned in sub-section (2), it may accept the appeal even after the expiry of that time.
(4) If the Information Commission is satisfied upon an complaint or otherwise that any authority or as the case may be, any officer-in-charge has failed to do an act or has done an act that was not necessary to do in accordance with the provisions of this Law; it may take action against such authority or as the case may be, such officer-in-charge under this section..
(5) On receipt of a complaint under sub-section (1) or taking an action under sub-section (4) becomes necessary, the Chief Information Commissioner himself shall enquire into the complaint or delegate the duty to any other Information Commissioner to enquire into the same.
(6) Within 30 (thirty) days from the date of taking duty under sub-section (5), the Chief Information Commission or as case may be, the Information Commissioner shall, after completing the enquiry into the complaint, prepare a decision-paper for the Information Commission. ]
(7) The decision-paper mentioned in sub-section (6) shall be presented in the next meeting of the Commission, and it shall, on discussion in the meeting, decide the matter.
(8) During the enquiry into any complaint under this section, the authority or as the case may be, the officer-in-charge against whom the complaint is lodged shall be given an opportunity to present arguments in support of his decision.
(9) If a third party is involved in the complaint, the Commission shall also give such third party an opportunity to present his statements.
(10) The Information Commission shall, in general, dispose any complaint made under sub-section (1) within 45 (forty five) days of receiving such complaint, but in special cases if it requires extended time to complete the enquiry and depositions of the witnesses, the complaint may be disposed of within such extended time:
Provide that the time limits of disposing a complaint shall not, in any way, exceed more than 75 (seventy five) days inclusive of extended time.
(11) The Information Commission shall have the following powers at the time of taking decision under this section, namely-
(a) to direct the authority or as the case may be, officer-in-charge to take following steps that are necessary to take under the provisions of this law, namely-
(i) to provide the requested information in a specific particular manner;
(ii) to appoint an officer-in-charge;
(iii) to publish any special information or special class of information;
(iv) to bring changes in the procedures to be followed by the authority in respect of preservation, management or publication of information;
(v) to impart batter training on right to information to the officers of the authority;
(vi) to give compensation for any loss or damage;
(b) to impose fines under this law;
(c) to keep the decision of the authority in force;
(d) to reject any complaint;
(e) to classify the information newly by the authority;
(f) to interpret any matters relating to nature, classification, preservation, publication, supply of information in the light of this law.
(12) Any decision passed under this section by the Information Commission shall be binding upon all concerned.
(13) The Information Commission shall inform its decision to all concerned in writing.
(14) The Information Commission shall, in a procedure prescribed by regulations, take other steps in disposing a complaint.
26. Representation.-The parties to a complaint may present their statements before the Commission either personally or through a lawyer.
27. Fines, etc.- (1) With reference to the disposal of any complaint or otherwise, if the Information Commission has reasons to believe that an officer-in-charge-
(a) refuses to receive any request for information or an appeal without
assigning any reasons;
(b) fails to provide information to the applicant or make decision within the time limits determined by this law;
(c) refuses to receive a request or an appeal with mala fide intention;
(d) provides wrong, incomplete, confusing and distorted information in place of the information that is sought for;
(e) creates impediments in proving information;
then, it may impose 50 (fifty) taka per day as compensation for the period from the date of doing such action by the officer-in-charge to the date of providing information, and such compensation shall not, in any way, exceed more than 5000 (five thousand) taka.
(2) The Information Commission shall, before imposing any compensation under sub-section (1), give the officer-in-charge an opportunity to place his arguments.
(3) If the Information Commission is satisfied that the officer-in-charge creates impediments in getting information by any citizen by the an act under sub-section (1), then, it may, in addition to imposing compensation under sub-section (2), recommend the concerned authority to take departmental action treating such an act of such officer to be a misconduct, and may request to keep the Information Commission informed in respect of the action taken last.
(4) If any compensation or fine payable under this law is not paid, it may be recoverable from the concerned officer through such procedures as are applicable for the recovery of a land revenue in accordance with the provisions of Public Demand Recovery Act, 1908 (Act IX of 1908).
28. Application of the Limitation Act of 1908.- Subject to the provisions of this law, the provisions of the Limitation Act, 1908 (Act IX of 1908) shall, as far as possible, apply in the case of filing an appeal or lodging a complaint under this law.
29. Bar against filing suit.- Other than filing an appeal before an appellate authority or as the case may be, lodging a complaint before the Information Commission under this law, no person shall, raise any question before any court in respect of any action taken or deemed to be taken, anything done or any order passed, or in respect of legality of any instruction made under this law
Chapter 8
Miscellaneous
30. Annual Report of the Information Commission.- (1) The Commission shall, by 31 March of every year, submit an annual report to the President about its activities of the previous year.
(2) In the report mentioned in sub-section (1), the following information shall be included:
(a) the number of requests made to each authority;
(b) the number of decisions refusing requests for information to the applicants, and description of the provisions of this law under which these decisions were made;
(c) the number of appeals filed against the decisions of the officer-in-charge, and the result thereof;
(d) particulars of any disciplinary action taken against any officer by any authority;
(e) the amount of money collected by each authority under this law;
(f) description of different activities taken by the authorities to implement the provisions of this law;
(g) reform proposal received from different authorities relating to ensuring right to information of the citizen;
(h) number of complaints received by the Information Commission;
(i) description of the actions taken by the Information Commission in respect of the complaint received;
(j) number of officers punished by the Information Commission and description of such punishments;
(k) total amount of compensation imposed and recovered by the Information Commission;
(l) description of the regulations made and instructions issued by the Information Commission;
(m) accounts of incomes and expenditures of the Information Commission;
(n) any other related matters that the Information Commission thinks proper;
(o) recommendations to take actions against those authorities that appear to be unwilling to follow the provisions of this law.
(3) After receiving the report under sub-section (1), the President shall cause the report to be laid before the National Parliament.
(4) The Information Commission shall publish and publicize its annual report made under sub-section (1) and submitted to the President on the mass media and website.
(5) For the sake of preparing the report under this section, every authority shall help the Information Commission providing necessary information and render other necessary assistance..
31. Indemnity for acts done in good faith: No prosecution, suit, or other legal proceedings shall be initiated against the Commission, the Chief Information Commissioner or any Commissioner, officers or employees thereof or Officer in Charge of any authority or any other officer or employee thereof in respect of any information made public or deemed to be made public in good faith under this law or rules or regulations made thereunder.
32. Inapplicability of this Law in case of certain organisations and institutions.- (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any provisions of this law, this law shall not be applicable for the organisations and institutions involved in state security and intelligence mentioned in the schedule.
(2) Despite anything contained in sub-section (1), this section shall not apply to such information that are pertaining to corruption and violation of human rights in the above-mentioned organisations and institutions,.
(3) On receipt of any request for information under sub-section (2), the concerned organisation or institution shall, subject to the approval from the Information Commission, provide the applicant the requested information within 30 (thirty) days from the date receipt of such request..
(4) The government if necessary may, in consultation with the Information Commission, amend the schedule increasing or decreasing the number of organisations and institutions in the schedule by notification published in the official gazette from time to time..
33. Power to make rules.- The Government may, by notification in the official gazette, make rules to carry out the purposes of this law.
34. Power to make regulations: The Information Commission may, to carry out the purposes of this law and with the prior approval of the Government and by notification in the official gazette, make regulations.
35. Removal of ambiguity: If any ambiguity arises in implementing any provisions of this law, the Government may, by notification in the official gazette and subject to consistency with the provisions of this law, remove such ambiguity.
36. Original version and English version: Original version of the law will be in Bengali and there will be reliable translated version in English.
In the case of any conflict between the Bengali and English versions, the Bengali version shall prevail. RTI 2009-english
37. Repealing and preservation 1) henceforth the RTI Ordinance, 2008 (number 50 law 2008) has been repealed
(2) Although, the above Ordinance is repealed, any act or any arrangement taken up under the Ordinance will be treated as having been done or taken under this law.
SCHEDULE
(Article 32)
State security and intelligence agencies established by the government.
Serial No. Organisations or Institutions
1 2
1. National Security Intelligence (NSI)
2. Directorate General of Forces Intelligence ( DGFI)
3. Defence Intelligence Units
4. Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Bangladesh Police
5. Special Security Force (SSF)
6. Intelligence Cell of the National Board of Revenue
7. Special Branch, Bangladesh Police
8. Intelligence Cell of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)
. Asfaq Hamid
Secretary
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication(BNNRC) since its emergence has been working relating to Policy Advocacy. The main features of the intervention of BNNRC is to maintain working relation with the government and change different policies of the government or prepare new policy; for this act, to mobilize political leaders of national and local level, civil society and media.
In this regard, BNNRC believes in Five Party Mobilization Concept and implements that one. Five parties are: Government, Politicians, Mass media, Civil society, and for whom the policy or agenda (Beneficiary Group).
In the review of last 8/9 years, the notable successes of BNNRC are to mobilize the government in some new interventions and remain enlisted/ included in the committee and sub committee. The interventions are: Community Radio Policy, Right to Information Law by Ministry of Information, National Frequency Allocation Plan by Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), National Amateur Radio Policy by BTRC, National ICT Policy by Ministry of ICT, and Citizen Band Radio by BTRC etc.
Now BNNRC is working on Bangladesh Broadcasting draft Law by Ministry of Information and AIBD.
Nonetheless, BNNRC is, at present, included in the under mentioned committees with the government. Member of Central Committee on Community Radio of Ministry of Information, Examiner of Amateur Radio and Marine Radio Examination Committee.
Now BNNRC is member of strategy Council of UN Global Alliance for ICT and Development(UN GAID) up to 2010.
In this regard, BNNRC believes in Five Party Mobilization Concept and implements that one. Five parties are: Government, Politicians, Mass media, Civil society, and for whom the policy or agenda (Beneficiary Group).
In the review of last 8/9 years, the notable successes of BNNRC are to mobilize the government in some new interventions and remain enlisted/ included in the committee and sub committee. The interventions are: Community Radio Policy, Right to Information Law by Ministry of Information, National Frequency Allocation Plan by Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), National Amateur Radio Policy by BTRC, National ICT Policy by Ministry of ICT, and Citizen Band Radio by BTRC etc.
Now BNNRC is working on Bangladesh Broadcasting draft Law by Ministry of Information and AIBD.
Nonetheless, BNNRC is, at present, included in the under mentioned committees with the government. Member of Central Committee on Community Radio of Ministry of Information, Examiner of Amateur Radio and Marine Radio Examination Committee.
Now BNNRC is member of strategy Council of UN Global Alliance for ICT and Development(UN GAID) up to 2010.
Bangladesh Coalition for Cultural Diversity (BCCD)
PROPOSAL for Establishing Bangladesh Coalition for Cultural Diversity (BCCD)
Purpose:
To Create Bangladesh Coalition for Cultural Diversity (BCCD)
OBJECTIVES
The Bangladesh Coalition for Cultural Diversity (BCCD) would fulfill the following objectives:
1. Create a database of all cultural organizations like Book Association, Film and TV/Radio, Music, Performing Art, Visual Art, Multi Disciplinary and Practitioner NGOs in Bangladesh
2. Enable organizations to have a platform to meet and express
their views, highlight best practices and challenges, Develop into a powerful pressure group for the Cultural Diversity
5. Enter into dialogue with the International Liaison Committee of Coalitions for Cultural Diversity; provide the unity that is essential for development in Culture
7. Disseminate information easily to all cultural industrial workers, especially on matters of copyright/ copy left/ open source/country commons/global commons and other Policy Matter,
9. Increase public-private sector partnership dialogue, Access finance for SMEs for their survival and growth, Educate members on entrepreneurial skills, Policy issues, national and regional issues and other skills
12. Enable integration into global markets, document all cultural works
14. Undertake professional planning and research program
STRATEGIES
To achieve the above objectives, the following strategies should be sought:
1. Invite the heads of all cultural organizations within Bangladesh (estimating 30-40)to a meeting at the earliest opportunity, and with at least 2 weeks’ notice. Seek the assistance of Cultural Adviser of Ministry of Cultural Affairs.
2. The letter of invitation should state the objectives of such a coalition,Prepare a form for participants to fill in, to obtain their relevant particulars for the database. This form should be sent out with the invitation and handed in at the meeting.
4. Seek sponsorship for such a meeting, providing transport and possibly overnight allowances for out-of-town delegates. Possible sources of funding: UNESCO, UNDP, DFID, British Council, German Embassy, and other donors.
5. The purpose of the meeting would be to introduce the idea of the coalition, to work on key matters i.e. policy advocacy, education of marketing, copyright, entrepreneurial skills, research, planning, documentation.
6. Set a deadline for the execution of the above and manner of delivery of information (by email, phone, letter etc) Invite just one speaker from UN, NGOS and other donor agencies who can talk on the marketing of cultural products.
OUTCOMES
The following outcomes are expected from this meeting:
1. A database of all cultural organizations is created, A coalition is formed which can link with the International Liaison Committee of Coalitions for Cultural Diversity
3. Information can begin to be available from a central source,
5. Plans for short, medium and long term can be formulated for educating the members on markets, finance etc. An expert can be requested to help with this.
6. Members can feed their ideas into this Coalition
CONCLUSION
It is important to believe in the ‘important role of culture in sustainable development, in particular for the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals’ and 2nd Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) and Cultural Policy in Bangladesh.
Purpose:
To Create Bangladesh Coalition for Cultural Diversity (BCCD)
OBJECTIVES
The Bangladesh Coalition for Cultural Diversity (BCCD) would fulfill the following objectives:
1. Create a database of all cultural organizations like Book Association, Film and TV/Radio, Music, Performing Art, Visual Art, Multi Disciplinary and Practitioner NGOs in Bangladesh
2. Enable organizations to have a platform to meet and express
their views, highlight best practices and challenges, Develop into a powerful pressure group for the Cultural Diversity
5. Enter into dialogue with the International Liaison Committee of Coalitions for Cultural Diversity; provide the unity that is essential for development in Culture
7. Disseminate information easily to all cultural industrial workers, especially on matters of copyright/ copy left/ open source/country commons/global commons and other Policy Matter,
9. Increase public-private sector partnership dialogue, Access finance for SMEs for their survival and growth, Educate members on entrepreneurial skills, Policy issues, national and regional issues and other skills
12. Enable integration into global markets, document all cultural works
14. Undertake professional planning and research program
STRATEGIES
To achieve the above objectives, the following strategies should be sought:
1. Invite the heads of all cultural organizations within Bangladesh (estimating 30-40)to a meeting at the earliest opportunity, and with at least 2 weeks’ notice. Seek the assistance of Cultural Adviser of Ministry of Cultural Affairs.
2. The letter of invitation should state the objectives of such a coalition,Prepare a form for participants to fill in, to obtain their relevant particulars for the database. This form should be sent out with the invitation and handed in at the meeting.
4. Seek sponsorship for such a meeting, providing transport and possibly overnight allowances for out-of-town delegates. Possible sources of funding: UNESCO, UNDP, DFID, British Council, German Embassy, and other donors.
5. The purpose of the meeting would be to introduce the idea of the coalition, to work on key matters i.e. policy advocacy, education of marketing, copyright, entrepreneurial skills, research, planning, documentation.
6. Set a deadline for the execution of the above and manner of delivery of information (by email, phone, letter etc) Invite just one speaker from UN, NGOS and other donor agencies who can talk on the marketing of cultural products.
OUTCOMES
The following outcomes are expected from this meeting:
1. A database of all cultural organizations is created, A coalition is formed which can link with the International Liaison Committee of Coalitions for Cultural Diversity
3. Information can begin to be available from a central source,
5. Plans for short, medium and long term can be formulated for educating the members on markets, finance etc. An expert can be requested to help with this.
6. Members can feed their ideas into this Coalition
CONCLUSION
It is important to believe in the ‘important role of culture in sustainable development, in particular for the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals’ and 2nd Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) and Cultural Policy in Bangladesh.
Establishing a coalition Bangladesh Coalition for Cultural Diversity (BCCD)
Establishing a coalition Bangladesh Coalition for Cultural Diversity (BCCD)
BACKGROUNDUNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity is adopted by the UNESCO in 2001. In succession of this another Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expression was held in 2005.
Meanwhile, we have come to know that the articles of the mentioned conventions have been ratified by the government of Bangladesh.Being sad, it is true that hardly any awareness has been created among the concerned stakeholders in Bangladesh regarding UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity and Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expression.
Notwithstanding, Cultural Policy has been drawn up by the endeavour of Ministry of Cultural Affairs. Hardly any consciousness regarding the mentioned Cultural Policy has been created among the concerned stakeholders. Consequently, the implementation of UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity and Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expression has been remained neglected.We have been going on the awareness program for long regarding ICT for Culture which is the part of implementation of the action plan of World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS).In this backdrop, we think that it is necessary to raise awareness and lobby widely among the concerned stakeholders and policy makers of the government concerning the mentioned UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity and Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expression. Conforming to that, we are going to form Bangladesh Coalition for Cultural Diversity (BCCD) in co-ordination with different stakeholders i.e. book publisher, film and radio, TV, music, performing art, visual art and multidisciplinary organizations.
We hope, performing manifold procedures, it might be possible for us to present a full-fledged coalition committee and coming five year program since April 2009. At present, BCCD’s limited programs are going on in a limited extent with collaboration of BNNRC.We, BCCD, are requesting you to provide overall support and suggestion so that we can continue work with major substantiated matters of UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity and Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expression.PURPOSETo create a coalition entitled 'Bangladesh Coalition for Cultural Diversity (BCCD)'OBJECTIVES Bangladesh Coalition for Cultural Diversity (BCCD) would fulfill the following objectives in order to create awareness on UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity and Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expression:1.Create a database of all cultural organizations like Book Association, Film and TV/Radio, Music, Performing Art, Visual Art, Multi Disciplinary and Practitioner NGOs in Bangladesh2.Enable organizations to have a platform to meet and express their views, highlight best practices and challenges, Develop into a powerful pressure group for the Cultural Diversity5.Enter into dialogue with the International Liaison Committee of Coalitions for Cultural Diversity; provide the unity that is essential for development in Culture7.Disseminate information easily to all cultural industrial workers, especially on matters of copyright/ copy left/ open source/country commons/global commons and other Policy Matter, 9.Increase public-private sector partnership dialogue, Access finance for SMEs for their survival and growth, Educate members on entrepreneurial skills, Policy issues, national and regional issues and other skills12.Enable integration into global markets, document all cultural works14.Undertake professional planning and research programSTRATEGIES
To achieve the above objectives, the following strategies should be sought:1.Invite the heads of all cultural organizations within Bangladesh (estimating 30-40) to a meeting at the earliest opportunity, and with at least 2 weeks’ notice with the assistance of Cultural Adviser of Ministry of Cultural Affairs and UNESCO.2.The letter of invitation should state the objectives of such a coalition, Prepare a form for participants to fill in, to obtain their relevant particulars for the database. This form should be sent out with the invitation and handed in at the meeting.4.Seek sponsorship for such a meeting, providing transport and possibly overnight allowances for out-of-town delegates. Possible sources of funding: UNESCO and other donors.5.The purpose of the meeting would be to introduce the idea of the coalition, to work on key matters i.e. policy advocacy, education of marketing, copyright, entrepreneurial skills, research, planning, documentation.6.Set a deadline for the execution of the above and manner of delivery of information (by email, phone, letter etc) invite just one speaker from UN, NGOs and other donor agencies who can talk on the marketing of cultural products. OUTCOMES The following outcomes are expected from this meeting:1.A database of all cultural organizations is created, A coalition is formed which can link with the International Liaison Committee of Coalitions for Cultural Diversity2.Information can begin to be available from a central source, 3.Plans for short, medium and long term can be formulated for educating the members on markets, finance etc. An expert can be requested to help with this. 4.Members can feed their ideas into this Coalition;5.A small secretariat is established,6.A web site of Bangladesh Coalition for Cultural Diversity (BCCD) is established;7.An email group list (mailing list) is established;8.A monthly Newsletter is arranged and published regularly;9.Organize a National/ Regional (South Asian) 2 day forum on Cultural Diversity;CONCLUSION It is important to believe in the important role of culture in sustainable development, in particular for the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals and secondly in the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) and Cultural Policy in Bangladesh.IMMEDIATE INTERVENTION: to be supported by UNESCO1.Translating the UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity into Bengali;2.Publish a bilingual booklet on the declaration;3.BCCD (Bangladesh Coalition for Cultural Diversity) consultation meeting.
For more information:
AHM Bazlur Rahman-S21BR
Chief Executive Office
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication
&Member, Strategy Council
UN-Global Alliance for ICT and Development (GAID)
House: 13/1, Road:2, Shaymoli, Dhaka-1207
Post Box: 5095, Dhaka 1205 Bangladesh
Phone: 88-02-9130750, 88-02-9138501
01711881647 Fax: 88-02-9138501-105, E-mail: ceo@bnnrc.net,
www.bnnrc.net
BACKGROUNDUNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity is adopted by the UNESCO in 2001. In succession of this another Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expression was held in 2005.
Meanwhile, we have come to know that the articles of the mentioned conventions have been ratified by the government of Bangladesh.Being sad, it is true that hardly any awareness has been created among the concerned stakeholders in Bangladesh regarding UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity and Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expression.
Notwithstanding, Cultural Policy has been drawn up by the endeavour of Ministry of Cultural Affairs. Hardly any consciousness regarding the mentioned Cultural Policy has been created among the concerned stakeholders. Consequently, the implementation of UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity and Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expression has been remained neglected.We have been going on the awareness program for long regarding ICT for Culture which is the part of implementation of the action plan of World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS).In this backdrop, we think that it is necessary to raise awareness and lobby widely among the concerned stakeholders and policy makers of the government concerning the mentioned UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity and Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expression. Conforming to that, we are going to form Bangladesh Coalition for Cultural Diversity (BCCD) in co-ordination with different stakeholders i.e. book publisher, film and radio, TV, music, performing art, visual art and multidisciplinary organizations.
We hope, performing manifold procedures, it might be possible for us to present a full-fledged coalition committee and coming five year program since April 2009. At present, BCCD’s limited programs are going on in a limited extent with collaboration of BNNRC.We, BCCD, are requesting you to provide overall support and suggestion so that we can continue work with major substantiated matters of UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity and Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expression.PURPOSETo create a coalition entitled 'Bangladesh Coalition for Cultural Diversity (BCCD)'OBJECTIVES Bangladesh Coalition for Cultural Diversity (BCCD) would fulfill the following objectives in order to create awareness on UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity and Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expression:1.Create a database of all cultural organizations like Book Association, Film and TV/Radio, Music, Performing Art, Visual Art, Multi Disciplinary and Practitioner NGOs in Bangladesh2.Enable organizations to have a platform to meet and express their views, highlight best practices and challenges, Develop into a powerful pressure group for the Cultural Diversity5.Enter into dialogue with the International Liaison Committee of Coalitions for Cultural Diversity; provide the unity that is essential for development in Culture7.Disseminate information easily to all cultural industrial workers, especially on matters of copyright/ copy left/ open source/country commons/global commons and other Policy Matter, 9.Increase public-private sector partnership dialogue, Access finance for SMEs for their survival and growth, Educate members on entrepreneurial skills, Policy issues, national and regional issues and other skills12.Enable integration into global markets, document all cultural works14.Undertake professional planning and research programSTRATEGIES
To achieve the above objectives, the following strategies should be sought:1.Invite the heads of all cultural organizations within Bangladesh (estimating 30-40) to a meeting at the earliest opportunity, and with at least 2 weeks’ notice with the assistance of Cultural Adviser of Ministry of Cultural Affairs and UNESCO.2.The letter of invitation should state the objectives of such a coalition, Prepare a form for participants to fill in, to obtain their relevant particulars for the database. This form should be sent out with the invitation and handed in at the meeting.4.Seek sponsorship for such a meeting, providing transport and possibly overnight allowances for out-of-town delegates. Possible sources of funding: UNESCO and other donors.5.The purpose of the meeting would be to introduce the idea of the coalition, to work on key matters i.e. policy advocacy, education of marketing, copyright, entrepreneurial skills, research, planning, documentation.6.Set a deadline for the execution of the above and manner of delivery of information (by email, phone, letter etc) invite just one speaker from UN, NGOs and other donor agencies who can talk on the marketing of cultural products. OUTCOMES The following outcomes are expected from this meeting:1.A database of all cultural organizations is created, A coalition is formed which can link with the International Liaison Committee of Coalitions for Cultural Diversity2.Information can begin to be available from a central source, 3.Plans for short, medium and long term can be formulated for educating the members on markets, finance etc. An expert can be requested to help with this. 4.Members can feed their ideas into this Coalition;5.A small secretariat is established,6.A web site of Bangladesh Coalition for Cultural Diversity (BCCD) is established;7.An email group list (mailing list) is established;8.A monthly Newsletter is arranged and published regularly;9.Organize a National/ Regional (South Asian) 2 day forum on Cultural Diversity;CONCLUSION It is important to believe in the important role of culture in sustainable development, in particular for the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals and secondly in the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) and Cultural Policy in Bangladesh.IMMEDIATE INTERVENTION: to be supported by UNESCO1.Translating the UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity into Bengali;2.Publish a bilingual booklet on the declaration;3.BCCD (Bangladesh Coalition for Cultural Diversity) consultation meeting.
For more information:
AHM Bazlur Rahman-S21BR
Chief Executive Office
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication
&Member, Strategy Council
UN-Global Alliance for ICT and Development (GAID)
House: 13/1, Road:2, Shaymoli, Dhaka-1207
Post Box: 5095, Dhaka 1205 Bangladesh
Phone: 88-02-9130750, 88-02-9138501
01711881647 Fax: 88-02-9138501-105, E-mail: ceo@bnnrc.net,
www.bnnrc.net
Concept Paper of
Community Radio Academy (CRA), Bangladesh of
BNNRC initiative as Social Enterprise
Community Radio Academy (CRA), Bangladesh of
BNNRC initiative as Social Enterprise
ORGANISATIONAL PROFILE:
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC): Vision and Mission Statements
As it was set, the vision of the network is “BNNRC do like to see the rural people has the easy, quick and low cost access to global communication so that they are enrich and updated by knowledge."
Mission of the network “In view of the value “Communication is not a privilege it has become a basic human rights”, the BNNRC trust will organize strategically important activities, studies, advocacy so that the population of the rural areas will have easy, manageable and low cost communication facilities”.
Major Activities
BNNRC now strive for following core interventions to achieve UN World Summit on the Information Society(UN WSIS) action plan, Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity and Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) in Bangladesh;
1. Awareness on correlations of ICT, poverty alleviation and Institutionalization of Democracy and Right to Information (RTI)
2. Establishment of ICT Resource Center and Promotion of Rural Knowledge Volunteers(RKV) as primary ICT catalyst in remote
rural areas;
3. Advocacy and Campaign for Bridging the Digital Divide/Information Divide/Knowledge Divide and open up air waves for
Community Radio - voices for the voice-less;
4. Piloting ICT4D projects at rural areas to create show case examples for greater multiplication through Rural Knowledge
Center (RKC)/ Telecenter.
5. Establishment of Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services (RACES) for Disaster Preparedness and Risk Reduction through
Amateur Radio (HAM Radio) promotion.6. Establishment of People's Right in Telecommunication/ Global Commons/Country Commons. 7. To Promote the adoption of Free/Open Source Software(FOSS), open standards, and open content for development
8. Building Capacity for ICT Journalist
Origin, Legal Entity and Policy Making:
BNNRC is a national networking body working for building a democratic society based on the principles of free flow of information, equitable and affordable access to Information, Communication Technology (ICT) for remote and marginalized population.
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) is a changed name of Bangladesh Coastal NGO Network for Radio and Communication (BCNNRC). BCNNRC has established during April 2000. BNNRC is registered with the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, as a trust and NGO Affairs Bureau of Government of Bangladesh according to the foreign donation (Voluntary Activities) regulation ordinance 1978 as an organization on Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) established in 2000 as per Article 19 charter of UN bill of rights.
The Board of Trustee (BoT) has been formed with Mr. Rafiqul Alam as Chairperson, Mr. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury as Vice-Chairperson, Mr. Zahurul Haque Bali as Vice-Chairperson, Mr. Md. Arifur Rahman as Treasurer and AHM Bazlur Rahman-S21BR as Secretary/Chief Executive Officer.
Background and Rationale:
Bangladesh has gone a long way towards creating an enabling environment for launching Community Radio. The Government has opened frequency for FM stations and satellite channels. It has also drafted the Bangladesh Broadcasting Act in 2003 with the aim of addressing social and economic issues.
It is a vital moment when Community Radio is going to make an important place in the communication field in the country. The present non-political Care Taker Government formulated Community Radio Installation, Broadcast and Operation Policy – 2008 on 12 March this year and gave an advertisement on 18 March in the newspaper asking applications from interested initiators to install Community Radio in the country. In order to facilitate the application and registration process of the organizations for Community Radio, BNNRC immediately opened a help desk in its secretariat in Dhaka.
As a result, BNNRC received huge response from the interested development organizations for technical support in this regard. Receiving huge response from the interested development organizations and research institutions the authority extended the deadline up to 30 April. 400 organizations drew application forms from the Ministry of Information and 178 applications have been submitted from different organizations in this regard.
In the whole process the Government ensured the proper participation and representation from civil society organizations through incorporating representatives in Regulatory Committee, Technical Committee and National Monitoring Committee for the successful operation of the Community Radio.
Under the above-mentioned circumstances, BNNRC feels deep urge to set up a Community Radio Academy in Dhaka. This will help Community Radio stakeholders having on-hand training of technical and management skills, coming to know about the function, management, procedure, problem, prospect and sustainability of the Community Radio as a tool of ICT and having all concerned resources and facilities available for their progress and success. So that NGOs/CBOs and communities can prepare themselves for the ensuing challenges in operating Community Radio effectively by accommodating the use of limited resources to reach mass people including rural and disadvantage people.
Moreover this academy will help academia, researchers, government officials, media activists, community leaders and policy makers to understand and work closely for the promotion and positive role of community radio for the advancement of Bangladesh in various development sectors.
Purpose of Community Radio Academy:
Purpose of Community Radio Academy:
BNNRC has already set up Community Radio Academy as one of its social enterprise to promote Community Radio installation, broadcasting and operation around the country:
To Promote the Effective use of Community Radio for Development; Take all measures for essential improvement of community radio broadcasting;
To organize seminars, workshops and other motivational program associated with community broadcasting; establish contact with other similar national and international organizations for promoting mutual benefit and understanding;
To Advise the Government and Policy makers on any matter relating to community radio and development; assist in the setting up of community radio with technical and professional expertise and as well as in securing funds;
To strengthen networking among community radio stations, community radio promoters and independent community radio producers, and to facilitate exchange of radio programmes among them; assist communities in establishing community radio in different geographical areas keeping in mind the linguistic, cultural, ethnic and social diversity;
To strengthen capabilities of established community radio stations with professional and technical assistance; organise periodic trainings for community radio producers and technicians; identify appropriate places, from technical and resources points of view, for encouraging establishment of radio stations;
To produce manuals and reference materials in community radio, undertake community radio audience research/studies; active in lobbying and advocacy in order to mould public opinion in favor of making Community Radio Trust Fund that are conducive to the growth and expansion of community radio;
To establish and promote contacts with like-minded international organizations for world solidarity in favor of promotion of community radio broadcasting.
Input:
BNNRC will establish Community Radio Academy (CRA) in its national secretariat in Dhaka. All the activities will be implemented under three departments namely Research and Development Department, Capacity Building Department and Technical Cooperation Department of the academy. The academy will take necessary steps for arranging the following training courses, workshops and research works effectively
Activities included:
a) Research and Development:
Research and development activities on challenges and prospects of Community Radio operation in Bangladesh including baseline survey, policy advocacy, evaluation and monitoring, feedback, listeners’ survey, publishing newsletter, publishing Community Radio handbook, library and archive, Community Radio based web portal and case studies on success and failure of Community Radio will be accomplished.
BNNRC will establish Community Radio Academy (CRA) in its national secretariat in Dhaka. All the activities will be implemented under three departments namely Research and Development Department, Capacity Building Department and Technical Cooperation Department of the academy. The academy will take necessary steps for arranging the following training courses, workshops and research works effectively
Activities included:
a) Research and Development:
Research and development activities on challenges and prospects of Community Radio operation in Bangladesh including baseline survey, policy advocacy, evaluation and monitoring, feedback, listeners’ survey, publishing newsletter, publishing Community Radio handbook, library and archive, Community Radio based web portal and case studies on success and failure of Community Radio will be accomplished.
b) Capacity Building:
8 basic and 8 advanced training courses will be arranged for about 240 Community Radio staff working across the country. 12 advocacy workshops, each in every month, will be arranged in center point in regional level with policy makers and stakeholders. An annual Community Radio conference of the stakeholders of all community radio stations located at different regions in Bangladesh will be arranged in Dhaka. Moreover, experience sharing, exposure trip, radio producing contents of program, news and talk show, capacity building training on program production, editing and presentation, support to budgeting and planning, broadcast management and schedule scripting will be arranged.
c) Technical Cooperation:
Technical support for studio set up, maintenance and broadcasting, schedule exchange, exchange visit, help desk, trouble-shooting, national and international communication. Publishing four Reports
Output/Outcome:
From this Community Radio Academy, Community Radio stakeholders will have on-hand training of technical and management skills, come to know about the function, management, procedure, problem, prospect and sustainability of the Community Radio as a tool of ICT and have all concerned resources and facilities available for their progress and success. Thus NGOs/CBOs and communities can prepare themselves for the ensuing challenges in operating Community Radio effectively by accommodating the use of limited resources to reach mass people including rural and disadvantage people.
Moreover, from this academy academia, researchers, government officials, media activists, community leaders and policy makers will understand and be encouraged to work closely for the promotion and positive role of community radio for the advancement of Bangladesh in various development sectors. Thus from the beginning of the Community Radio set-up in Bangladesh, the key stakeholders will gain full preparation of potential challenges and difficulties to be faced in operating radio station and broadcasting radio program.
Through exchange visits, representatives of certain areas and communities will have practical experience of working environment, interest issues, culture, socio-economic status, challenges and difficulties of other communities in respect to running Community Radio.
Through exchange visits, representatives of certain areas and communities will have practical experience of working environment, interest issues, culture, socio-economic status, challenges and difficulties of other communities in respect to running Community Radio.
Moreover, the printed reports and newsletters of the project activities, the papers presented in the workshops, opinion of resource persons and participants and articles on exchange visit experience will be very helpful for sustainable and effective guiding force of the Community Radio stations. These publications will be helpful for long-term preservation and sharing with more policy makers and people working in this field for the greater positive impact.
Through the Community Radio web portal, each CR station will have easy access and facility of uploading their productions and downloading the productions of other stations for sharing and exchanging contents, materials, music, schedule and planning reciprocal and integrated cooperation and development.
Responsibility and Accountability
BNNRC will take the responsibility of setting up the academy. The Chief Executive Officer of BNNRC is the focal person for all kinds of correspondence.
The activities of this academy will be duly monitored and documented in the project completion report (PCR), which will be submitted to the donor within one month of project completion. The financial reporting will also be accomplished quite soon after the implementation of the project.
Contact:
AHM Bazlur Rahman- S21BR
Chief Executive Officer
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC)
and Member- Strategy Council
United Nations- Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UN GAID)
House: 13/1 Road: 2
Shamoli, Dhaka 1207
Phone: 9130750, 9138501 Fax: 9138501-105, E-Mail: mailto:ceo@bnnrc.net www.bnnrc.net
BANGLADESH BROADCASTING ACT Draft, 2003
BANGLADESH BROADCASTING ACT Draft, 2003
Act. No. …….of ..…
CHAPTER I
PRELIMINARY MATTERS
An Act to provide for the regulation of broadcasting services, including terrestrial, satellite and cable broadcasting, and to make provision for the establishment of an independent Authority for the purpose of overseeing broadcasting regulation with a view to promoting independent, pluralistic broadcasting in the public interest;
Whereas it is expedient to set clear rules for the regulation of broadcasting services in Bangladesh so as to ensure the orderly and effective development of this sector, and to provide for the establishment of an independent Authority to oversee such regulation and for the transfer of the related powers and functions of the Ministry of Information to the Authority;
Now, therefore, it is hereby enacted as follows:-
1. Short Title and Commencement
(1) This Act may be cited as the Bangladesh Broadcasting Act, 2003.
(2) This Act shall come into operation on such date as the Government may, by notification published in the Gazette, specify, provided that in the absence of such notification, this Act shall come into effect six months after it has been passed by the Jatiya Sangsad.
2. Definitions
In this Act, except where the subject or context otherwise requires:-
“advertisement” means any public announcement intended to promote the sale, purchase or rental of a product or service, to advance a cause or idea or to bring about some other effect desired by the advertiser, for which broadcasting time has been given up to the advertiser for remuneration or similar consideration;
“Advertising Code” means a set of standards governing broadcast content which constitutes an advertisement;
“Authority” means the Bangladesh Broadcasting Authority;
“basic service” means the minimum bouquet of television and/or radio channels which subscribers to a cable service are required to purchase;
“broadcasting” means the dissemination of broadcast programming, including through terrestrial transmitters, cable, satellite or any other medium, for public consumption and for simultaneous reception, whether or not by subscription, through a radio and/or television broadcast receiver or other related electronic equipment, but does not include communications internal to a private organisation or government body, such as closed circuit television or internal address systems, or Internet communications;
“broadcaster” means an organisation that engages in broadcasting, be it a public service broadcaster, a private broadcaster or a community broadcaster;
“Broadcasting Frequency Plan” means a plan for the allocation of the broadcasting frequency spectrum among the various uses such as television and radio, national, regional and local licenses, and public, private and community broadcasters;
“broadcasting frequency spectrum” means that part of the electromagnetic wave spectrum which is part of the public domain and which may be assigned by the Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commission to be used for broadcasting uses, but does not include other frequencies, such as those used for telecommunications purposes;
“broadcasting service” means a defined service which consists in the broadcasting of television or sound material to the public, sections of the public or subscribers to such service;
“cable broadcasting” means the transmission by cables of a broadcasting service, including re-transmission by cables of broadcast signals;
“private broadcaster” means a broadcasting organisation that is neither a public broadcaster nor a community broadcaster;
“community broadcaster” means a broadcaster which is controlled by a non-profit entity and operates on a non-profit basis, carries programming serving a particular community including by reflecting the special interests and needs of that community, and is managed and operated primarily by members of that community;
“Fund” means the Bangladesh Broadcasting Authority Fund;
“independent producer” means an individual or company who produces programmes for radio or television and who is independent of any individual broadcaster;
“license” means a license issued by the Authority for purposes of providing a broadcasting service to the public;
“licensee” means and individual or organisation who has been granted a license to provide a broadcasting service to the public;
“Minister” means the minister in charge of the Ministry responsible for broadcasting;
“Programme Code” means a set of standards relating to general broadcasting content and practices;
“Programme Schedule” means a plan indicating the general types of programmes proposed to be broadcast, along with the percentage of broadcasting time to be devoted to such programmes and to advertising, and the target audience but for cable services the Programme Schedule means a description of the basic service and of all other services provided;
“public broadcaster” means a broadcaster subject to public ownership which has a mandate to broadcast in the public interest, such as Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar;
“satellite broadcasting” means the dissemination of a broadcasting service by means of satellite transmission, whether such service is provided free-to-air or on a subscription basis;
“Spectrum Management Committee” means the Spectrum Management Committee constituted under section 56 of the Bangladesh Telecommunications Act, 2001;
“sponsorship” means the participation of a natural or legal person who is not engaged in broadcasting activities or the production of audiovisual works in the direct or indirect financing of a programme with a view to promoting the name, trademark or image of that person;
“subscriber” means a person who receives a broadcasting service at a specific location in exchange for a prescribed fee, without further transmitting that service to any other person; and
“terrestrial broadcasting” means the dissemination of a broadcasting service via the radio frequency for direct reception by homes or businesses without needing equipment other than radio or television equipment.
3. Application
(1) This Act shall apply to the whole of Bangladesh.
(2) This Act shall have effect notwithstanding any contrary provision in any other law.
CHAPTER II
ESTABLISHMENT AND CONSTITUTION OF AUTHORITY
4. Establishment of Authority
(1) There is hereby established the Bangladesh Broadcasting Authority. The Authority is an independent institution which is accountable to the Jatiya Sangsad.
(2) The Authority shall be a body corporate having perpetual succession and a common seal.
(3) The Authority shall have all powers, direct or incidental, as are necessary to undertake its functions as provided for in this Act and it shall have full legal personality, including the power to sue and be sued, and the power to acquire, hold and dispose of property.
(4) The Authority shall enjoy operational and administrative autonomy from any other person or entity, except as specifically provided for in this or any other law
(5) This autonomy of the Authority shall be respected at all times and no person or entity shall seek to influence its members or staff in the discharge of their duties, or to interfere with its activities, except in the discharge of a specific authority or duty provided for by law.
5. Mandate of the Authority
(1) The Authority is charged with the oversight of broadcasting in Bangladesh, consistent with constitutional and international standards and the guarantee of freedom of expression, and with promoting the public interest in the broadcasting sector.
(2) The Authority shall be responsible for:-
a. developing and implementing a Broadcasting Frequency Plan to ensure orderly and optimal use of the broadcasting frequency spectrum;
b. issuing licenses to provide broadcasting services to the public and ensuring that license conditions are respected; and
c. overseeing the development of the Advertising Code and Programme Code and the implementation of those Codes.
(3) In discharging its responsibilities, the Authority shall endeavour to promote the following goals:-
uphold the Constitution of Bangladesh, as well as human rights, democracy and the rule of law;
protect freedom of expression;
encourage creative national broadcasting, including by licensing all three types of broadcaster, namely public, private and community;
promote a diverse range of quality broadcasting services which serve all of Bangladesh’s language and cultural groups;
enhance the public’s right to know through promoting pluralism and a wide variety of programming on matters of public interest;
prevent monopolisation of ownership and promote fair competition in the broadcasting sector;
promote accurate, informative and balanced programming;
encourage the provision of quality educational programming;
promote the widest possible geographic distribution of broadcasting services, including by licensing national, as well as local and municipal broadcasters;
develop and promote broadcasting reflecting national and regional culture and identity;
promote the appropriate use of new technology; and
enhance the overall financial and competitive viability of broadcasting in Bangladesh.
6. Appointment of Members
(1) The Authority shall consist of five (5) Members, all of whom shall have some expertise, by virtue of their education or experience, in the area of broadcasting, including in the fields of policy, law, technology, journalism and/or business and who shall be know for their high moral standards, integrity, impartiality and competence.
(2) An Appointments Committee shall be established consisting of representatives of civil society, including representatives from:-
(a) media outlets;
(b) media and journalists’ NGOs and associations;
(c) the legal profession;
(d) the medical profession;
(e) representatives of consumer interests;
(f) universities; and
(g) human rights NGOs.
[THESE ARE ONLY SUGGESTIONS; OTHERS MAY NEED TO BE ADDED OR DELETED TO FIT THE BANGLADESHI SITUATION]
(3) The Minister shall, by notification published in the Gazette, make regulations providing for the appointment of the Appointments Committee and the procedure to be followed by the Appointments Committee in making nominations.
(4) The Appointments Committee shall forward a shortlist of nominations comprising not less than seven (7) individuals to the Minister, who shall appoint five (5) from among them as Members.
(5) The appointments process shall be open, transparent and fair.
(6) A list of all candidates on the shortlist prepared by the Appointments Committee shall be published and the public shall be given an opportunity to make representations concerning these candidates prior to appointment.
(7) The Appointments Committee and the Minister shall strive to ensure that membership of the Authority as a whole represents a broad cross-section of Bangladesh society.
(8) All Members of the Authority shall be independent and impartial in the exercise of their functions, shall represent the public interest and not the body that nominated them or any other particular interest, and shall, at all times, seek to promote the goals set out in sub-section 5(3).
7. Disqualifications of Members
(1) No one shall be appointed as a Member of the Authority if he or she:-
is not a citizen of Bangladesh;
is employed in the civil service or any other branch of government;
holds an elected position in the Jatiya Sangsad or in any local government, or holds an official office in, or is an employee of, a political party;
holds, directly or indirectly, significant financial interests in telecommunications or broadcasting;
is an undischarged bankrupt or has been declared by a registered bank as a defaulter loanee; or
has been convicted of a violent crime and/or a crime of moral turpitude unless five years has passed since the sentence was discharged;
provided that individuals who have been nominated pursuant to sub-section 6(4) shall be given an adequate opportunity to take any necessary steps to remove a barrier to their appointment under this sub-section.
(2) Where, by virtue of a will, gift or otherwise, a Member obtains an interest noted in sub-section (1)(d), he or she shall, within a period of two (2) months, either dispose of the interest or resign from his or her position as Member.
(3) In any case where sub-section (2) becomes applicable to a Member, he or she shall not take part in any decision-making process of the Authority until he or she has either disposed of the relevant interest or resigned.
8. Tenure and Removal
(1) Members shall serve on the Authority for five (5) years and may be re-elected to serve a maximum of two terms, provided that the Minister shall identify two (2) individuals from among the original group of appointees whose initial term of office shall be just two (2) years.
(2) A Member may be removed from office only that individual:-
becomes, by virtue of sub-section 7(1), ineligible for appointment to the Authority;
commits a serious violation of his or her responsibilities under this Act, including by failing to promote the goals set out in sub-section 5(3), by engaging in corrupt practices, or for gross negligence of duty;
is no longer able to perform his or her duties effectively, whether due to physical or mental disability or any other cause; or
fails, without valid excuse, to attend three consecutive meetings of the Authority.
(3) Where it is proposed to remove a Member from office, an Enquiry Committee consisting of two (2) or more judges from the Supreme Court shall be constituted with a view to enquiring into the matter, including by giving the Member in question an opportunity to be heard.
(4) The Minister shall take the report of the Enquiry Committee into account when deciding whether or not to remove a Member from office.
(5) Any Member who is removed from office pursuant to sub-section (4) shall be provided with written reasons for his or her removal and shall have the right to appeal against the Minister’s decision to the courts.
(6) Where a Member is removed from office pursuant to sub-section (4), or a Member resigns or dies, that Member shall be duly replaced under the same conditions, and in the same manner, as he or she was appointed.
9. Rules of Procedure
(1) The Authority shall appoint its own Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson.
(2) The Authority shall adopt such rules, in relation to meetings and other matters, as it considers necessary and appropriate to enable it to perform its functions and all business shall be conducted in accordance with such rules.
(3) The Authority shall meet as often as it deems necessary and shall, in any case, meet at least once in every two months.
(4) Meetings of the Authority shall be convened by the Chairperson, or in his absence the Vice-Chairperson, provided that it shall be mandatory to convene a meeting within seven days of a request for such a meeting by not less than two Members.
(5) The Chairperson or, in his or her absence the Vice-Chairperson, shall preside at all meetings of the Authority.
(6) The quorum for meetings of the Authority shall be three members, save that the quorum for a meeting at which the Authority is to determine an application for a broadcasting license shall be four Members.
(7) A decision at a meeting of the Authority shall be adopted by a simple majority of the Members present and voting except as otherwise decided by the Authority. In case of an equality of votes, the Member presiding over the meeting shall have a casting vote in addition to his or her deliberative vote.
(8) The Secretary of the Authority shall attend all meetings of the Authority as a non-voting member, unless in any particular case the Authority otherwise directs.
(9) Minutes shall be kept in proper form of each meeting of the Authority and shall be confirmed by the Authority at the next meeting and signed by the Member presiding over the meeting.
(10) The Authority may act notwithstanding any vacancy in its membership.
10. Remuneration of Members
(1) Members of the Authority shall receive remuneration for their work in accordance with a schedule, as provided for in sub-section (3).
(2) Members of the Authority shall be compensated for actual expenses, including travel, accommodation and subsistence, incurred as a result of their duties as members of the Authority.
(3) Remuneration of Members shall be in accordance with a set schedule, approved in advance by the Minister, and compensation of Members shall be according to set regulations, approved in advance by the Minister.
(4) The rules relating to remuneration and compensation shall not be changed in relation to a Member after his or her appointment in a manner that disadvantages him or her.
11. Committees
(1) The Authority may, for the purpose of assisting it in the effective discharge of its functions, appoint such committees as it deems necessary, consisting of one or more Members and such other persons as may be required or desirable.
(2) The Authority may delegate any of its functions under this Act to any of its officers or committees.
12. Staff
(1) The Members shall appoint the Secretary to the Authority and fix his or her salary and duties.
(2) The provisions of section 7 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to the Secretary.
(3) The Members shall set the conditions of employment of the Secretary and may, outside of these conditions and by a vote of not less than four (4), remove the Secretary from office.
(4) A Secretary who has been removed by the Authority pursuant to sub-section (3) shall be provided with written reasons and shall have the right to appeal his or her removal to the courts.
(5) The Members shall, in accordance with the budget and in consultation with the Secretary, establish a full-time Secretariat of the Authority, along with such regional offices and such staff as it considers necessary and appropriate to enable it to perform its functions.
(6) The Secretary and employees of the Authority shall be independent and impartial in the exercise of their functions and shall, at all times, seek to promote the goals set out in sub-section 5(3).
13. Funding for the Authority
(1) The Authority shall have a fund to be known as the Bangladesh Broadcasting Authority Fund.
(2) The Authority may receive funds paid into the Fund from the following sources:-
license fees paid by broadcasters under this Act;
grants from the government;
grants from local or foreign bodies;
loans; and
moneys received from other sources.
(3) Three months prior to the end of each financial year, the Authority shall submit to the Minister for his or her approval a budget statement for the following financial year, including any operating funds requested by the Authority from the government.
(4) The Minister shall be required to table the budget statement before the Jatiya Sangsad for its consideration prior to approving, rejecting or modifying the statement.
(5) The Authority shall maintain accounts of all monies received and spent by it and shall, within sixty (60) days of the end of each financial year, submit such accounts to be audited by a registered firm of chartered accountants.
(6) The Authority shall formally submit a copy of its audited accounts to the Minister, who shall place them before the Jatiya Sangsad for its consideration.
(7) Notwithstanding any contrary provision in any other law, the Authority shall not be liable to pay income tax on any property held or received, or on any income earned and the Authority is hereby exempted from the payment of such tax.
14. Annual Report
(1) The Authority shall publish and distribute widely an Annual Report, along with its audited accounts. The Annual Report shall include the following information:-
a description of the activities of the Authority during the previous year;
information relating to licensing, complaints and research;
a description of any sanctions applied by the Authority and the decisions relating thereto;
information relating to the Broadcasting Frequency Plan;
an analysis of the extent to which it has met its objectives of the previous year;
its objectives for the coming year;
any recommendations in the area of broadcasting;
its income and expenditure over the previous year; and
a proposed budget for the coming year.
(2) The Authority shall formally submit the Annual Report to the Minister, who shall place it before Jatiya Sangsad for its consideration.
CHAPTER III
FUNCTIONS AND POWERS
15. Functions of the Authority
The Authority shall have the following functions:-
to play a leading role in the development and updating of the Broadcasting Frequency Plan in a manner that ensures broadcasting diversity;
to participate in the activities of the Spectrum Management Committee;
to undertake licensing of broadcasters;
to ensure that broadcasters respect the conditions of their licenses, as well as the rules set out in this Act; and
to develop and implement the Advertising Code and the Programme Code.
16. Undue Concentration of Ownership
(1) The Authority shall take such reasonable steps as it deems necessary to prevent undue concentration of broadcast media ownership, monopoly practices and unfair competition.
(2) No individual shall exercise direct or indirect control over more than one national television, radio or newspaper outlet.
(3) No individual shall exercise direct or indirect control over more than one broadcaster covering the same geographical area.
17. Investigations
(1) The Authority shall have the power to conduct investigations and hold hearings as necessary to discharge its responsibilities under this Act.
(2) When holding a hearing, the Authority shall have the power to require the production of evidence and to compel witnesses to testify before it.
(3) Hearings of the Authority shall be conducted in accordance with the rules of natural justice.
CHAPTER IV
FREQUENCY PLANNING
18. Broadcasting Frequencies
(1) A representative of the Authority shall sit on the Spectrum Management Committee established by section 56 of the Bangladesh Telecommunications Act, 2001.
(2) The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, after consultation with the Authority and other interested parties, and in accordance with International Telecommunications (ITU) rules, shall from time to time allocate a fair portion of the electromagnetic wave spectrum to be used for broadcasting uses, to be known as the broadcasting frequency spectrum. Such allocation shall take into account broadcasting needs and the public interest in a diverse broadcasting sector, as well as competing telecommunications needs.
19. Broadcasting Frequency Plan
(1) The Authority shall, in consultation with interested stakeholders, develop and from time to time revise a Broadcasting Frequency Plan, which shall include a locator map, in order to promote the optimal use of these frequencies and the widest possible broadcasting diversity.
(2) The Broadcasting Frequency Plan shall ensure that, in accordance with the goals set out in sub-section 5(3), the broadcasting frequency spectrum is shared equitably and in the public interest among the three tiers of broadcasting – public, private and community – the two types of broadcasters – radio and television – and broadcasters of different geographic reach –national, regional and local.
(3) The Broadcasting Frequency Plan, along with any revisions to it, shall be published and disseminated widely.
(4) The Broadcasting Frequency Spectrum Plan may reserve certain frequencies for future use for specific categories of broadcasters in order to ensure diversity and equitable access to frequencies over time.
CHAPTER V
LICENSING
20. Broadcast License Requirement
(1) It is prohibited to provide a broadcasting service except in accordance with a valid broadcasting license.
(2) The Authority shall have exclusive responsibility in relation to issuing and renewing licenses.
(3) The Authority shall maintain a register of licenses, which shall be available for public inspection.
21. Existing broadcasting services
(1) The existing public broadcasters, Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television, shall be guaranteed broadcasting service licenses.
(2) Bodies currently providing broadcasting services which have been approved by the Ministry of Information and/or the Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Authority shall be required to apply for a broadcasting service license within three (3) months of the establishment of the Authority, provided that there shall be a presumption that they shall be provided with such a license absent overriding countervailing reasons in the public interest.
22. New Licenses
(1) From time to time, the Authority shall determine whether it is in the public interest, based on the Broadcasting Frequency Plan, broadcasting policy, interest by potential broadcasters and market capacity, to hold a competition with a view to issuing additional licenses to provide a broadcasting service.
(2) Where it is proposed to issue additional licenses, the Authority shall publish widely a notice to that effect. The notice shall include all relevant information about the proposed licenses, including the deadline for receipt of applications, any application fee and the annual license concession fee.
(3) The Authority shall adopt in advance regulations setting out the process to be followed in submitting an application and a description of what information must be provided, as well as a schedule of the annual license concession fees, established in accordance with section 29.
(4) The Authority may, in the absence of a call for licenses, also receive applications to provide a broadcasting service for which there does not appear to be serious competition.
(4) Applicants for a broadcasting service license shall be required to provide detailed financial, technical and, where relevant, proposed customer or subscriber information, as well as a Programme Schedule.
(5) An application for a license to provide a cable service shall include information about the channels proposed to be provided within the basic service, as well as any other channels which may be purchased.
(6) The process for receiving and assessing license applications shall be open, transparent and fair.
23. License Frequency
(1) Prior to deciding whether or not to issue new broadcasting service licenses, the Authority shall liase with the Spectrum Management Committee to ensure that any frequencies which may be required for the proposed licenses are available.
(2) The Authority and the Spectrum Management Committee shall agree on the specific frequencies to be allocated for each proposed license in advance of the notice under section 22(2) being issued.
24. Assessing License Applications
(1) The process for assessing licenses shall be fair, non-discriminatory and transparent.
(2) The Authority shall, within 60 days of the closing date for applications, decide on a competitive basis whether or not to issue a broadcasting service license to an applicant, provided that the 60-day limit may be extended where there are exceptional reasons to justify this.
(3) The Authority shall take the following factors into account in deciding whether or not to issue a broadcasting service license to an applicant:-
the technical capacity of the applicant to deliver a quality service, taking into account the nature of the proposed service;
the nature and extent of the financial resources of the applicant and the financial viability of the proposal;
the effect of licensing the proposed service in terms of monopolies, cross ownership and fair competition;
the need to promote broadcasting produced in the different regions and by the different cultures of Bangladesh;
the promotion of the widest possible diversity of programming, taking into account the proposed Programme Schedule, the demand and the need for that service, and the broadcasting services already being provided in that area; and
the need to promote locally produced programming which serves the needs and interests of the people of Bangladesh.
(4) The Authority shall provide written notice of its decision to all applicants for broadcasting service licenses. Where the application is refused, this notice shall include the reasons for the refusal, as well as information regarding the applicant’s right of appeal.
(5) A license shall not be issued to a political party or to a body which is substantially owned or controlled by someone with a senior post in a political party.
(6) A license shall not be issued to an individual who is not a resident or citizen of Bangladesh, or to an entity which does not have recognised legal status in Bangladesh or which is subject to majority control by non-residents or non-citizens.
(6) Upon the grant by the Authority of an application under sub-section (2), it shall cause notify
(7) cation of that decision to be published in the Gazette.
25. License Renewals
(1) An application for the renewal of a license shall be made within the last three months before the date of expiry of the existing license.
(2) A licensee shall be entitled to have a broadcasting service license renewed, provided that the Authority may refuse to renew a license where the licensee has operated in significant breach of its license conditions or where this is clearly in the public interest, based on the goals set out in sub-section 5(3).
(3) At the time of renewal, either a licensee or the Authority may propose amendments to the license conditions and the Authority may accept or reject these amendments, provided that any amendments imposed by the Authority must be consistent with section 31.
(4) The Authority may, when considering an application for the renewal of a license, require such new or additional information as it may deem necessary.
(5) If at the date of expiry of a license the Authority has not yet reached a decision in respect of an application to renew it, the license shall continue to be of effect until the application for its renewal is granted or refused by the Authority.
(6) A license renewal shall be for the same period as the original license.
(7) The Authority shall provide a licensee with written reasons, in advance of a final decision, of any proposed decision not to renew a license and shall give the licensee an opportunity to make oral and/or written representations.
(8) Where the Authority does not renew a license, it shall provide written reasons for its decision.
CHAPTER VI
LICENSE CONDITIONS
26. License Conditions
(1) A license shall stipulate any frequency or frequencies to be used by the broadcaster.
(2) Licenses shall be for a period of five (5) years for a radio and ten (10) years for a television broadcasting service.
(3) Compliance with the Advertising and Programme Codes, and all matters specified in the license application, including the Programme Schedule, are deemed to be license conditions.
(4) Licenses are not transferable to any other person without the prior approval of the Authority.
(5) Broadcasters may only broadcast programmes which they produced or for which they hold broadcasting rights and copyright must be clearly indicated as part of the credits displayed with each programme.
(6) The name of the producer of every programme shall be displayed at the end of the programme.
(7) Terrestrial and satellite broadcasters are required to keep a master recording of all programmes broadcast for at least twenty-eight (28) days after they have been broadcast provided that where specific broadcast material is the subject of a dispute, the relevant broadcaster shall, at the request of the Authority, keep a master recording of that broadcast material until the matter has been resolved fully.
(8) Cable broadcasters are required to keep a register of the programme channels and advertisements distributed for at least twenty-eight (28) days after they have been distributed, provided that where specific broadcast material is the subject of a dispute, the relevant broadcaster shall, at the request of the Authority, keep a record of it until the matter has been resolved fully.
(9) If six (6) months expire after the granting or renewal of a license before any broadcasting service is provided, that license shall lapse.
(10) Licensed cable broadcasters shall include, without any deletion or alteration, within the top ten (10) prime band channels of their basic service, Bangladesh Television and at least two other locally licensed terrestrial or satellite television channels, provided that they shall not bear any liability or responsibility for these broadcasts.
(11) Licensees are required to report annually to the Authority on their activities, including the observance of license conditions.
27. General Terms and Conditions
(1) The Authority may, from time to time, by notification published in the Gazette, adopt regulations setting out general license terms and conditions either of general application for all licensees or for different types of licensees (such as terrestrial, satellite or cable).
(2) Such terms and conditions may, among other things, set maximum tariffs to be charged by cable broadcasters.
28. Specific License Conditions
(1) The Authority may attach such reasonable conditions, including in relation to technical matters, to a broadcasting service license as it deems necessary to promote the goals set out in sub-section 5(3).
(2) Such conditions may, in particular, relate to:-
the power limitations in respect of a station, the technical servicing and inspection of a station and any other technical specifications;
the prevention of electric and other disturbances or radio reception of the transmission over any telegraph line;
the location of a transmitter station and, where applicable, and the specific geographical area to which broadcasts may be made.
29. License Fees
(1) The Authority shall, from time to time as it deems necessary, in consultation with interested parties and taking into account market considerations, produce a schedule of the applicable annual license concession fees, setting out the rates for various types of broadcasting licenses (classified by tier – public, private or community – type – radio or television, terrestrial, satellite or cable – and scope – national, regional or local, or number of subscribers).
(2) This schedule shall come into force after it has been placed before the Jatiya Sangsad for 30 days and published by notification in the Gazette.
(3) Licensees shall be required to pay to the Authority the applicable annual license concession fee, in accordance with the schedule currently in force.
30. License Condition Amendments
(1) Broadcasters may propose amendments to their licenses to the Authority, which may approve or refuse such amendments, provided that if the Authority fails to respond to a proposal within 30 working days after receiving it, the Authority shall be deemed to have accepted it.
(2) The Authority may, in respect of any particular broadcasting service license, and after giving the license holder an opportunity to make written representations, amend of its own motion any of the prescribed conditions, including adding further conditions:-
if the Authority is of the opinion that this is in the interest of orderly spectrum management; or
in order to give effect to any international treaty governing broadcasting matters to which Bangladesh is a party.
31. General Restriction on Specific License Conditions
No license conditions shall imposed under sections 27, 28 or 30 unless they:-
are relevant to broadcasting;
further the goals set out in sub-section 5(3); and
are reasonable and realistic, given the licensee.
CHAPTER VII
THE ADVERTISING AND PROGRAMME CODES
32. The Codes
(1) The Authority shall, in consultation with broadcasters, journalists and other interested parties, draw up, and from time to time review, an Advertising Code and a Programme Code for broadcasters.
(2) The Codes shall be published and every licensee shall be provided with a copy of each Code.
33. The Advertising Code
(1) The Advertising Code shall address a range of issues relating to broadcast advertising, including the following:-
all advertisements shall be clearly identified as such;
no broadcaster shall carry advertisements for alcohol or for medicines which are available only with a prescription;
advertising by private and community broadcasters shall be limited to 20% of total daily programming on any given channel and to 25% of any given hour;
advertising by public broadcasters shall be limited to 10% of total daily programming on any given channel and to 12.5% of any given hour;
except in accordance with this section or any regulations promulgated by the Central Election Commission [INSERT CORRECT NAME], no broadcaster shall carry any advertisement for or on behalf of any political party or candidate for election to political office; and
subject to any regulations promulgated by the Central Election Commission [INSERT CORRECT NAME], the Authority may, by notification published in the Gazette, adopt regulations regarding political advertisements during elections, provided that any such regulations shall be based on the principle that parties and candidates should be granted equitable, non-discriminatory access to licensees.
(2) The Advertising Code may also set rules regarding programme sponsorship.
34. The Programme Code
The Programme Code shall, among other things, clarify in detail standards in relation to the following programming obligations:-
to be balanced and impartial in news and current affairs programming and to strive for accuracy in these programmes;
to encourage the development of Bangladeshi expression, including by independent producers, by providing a wide range of programming that reflects the attitudes, opinions, ideas, values and artistic creativity of Bangladeshis;
to protect children against harmful material;
to classify programmes, including films, according to the recommended age of viewers;
to keep within accepted boundaries in relation to the portrayal of sexual conduct and violence;
to promote tolerance and respect for religious and ethnic minorities, and disadvantaged groups;
to respect privacy; and
to respect religious views.
CHAPTER VIII
BREACH OF LICENSE CONDITIONS
35. Complaints and Monitoring
(1) Anyone who believes that a licensee has breached the Advertising Code or the Programme Code may lodge a complaint in writing with the Authority and the Authority shall investigate every such complaint, unless it considers the complaint to be frivolous or manifestly unfounded.
(2) It shall be the duty of the Authority to ensure that all licensees comply with their license conditions and, to this end, the Authority may monitor licensees and undertake an investigation where it believes there may have been a breach of a license condition.
36. Investigations
(1) Where it conducts an investigation pursuant to section 35, the Authority shall provide the broadcaster with adequate written notice of any allegation of a breach and with a reasonable opportunity to make representations. In the case of a complaint, the Authority shall also provide the complainant with a reasonable opportunity to make representations.
(2) The Authority shall, absent exceptional circumstances, come to a decision in relation to a complaint within two (2) months.
(3) Where the Authority decides that a licensee is in breach of the Advertising Code, the Programme Code and/or its license conditions, it shall publish its decision, including reasons for its decision, any sanction to be imposed pursuant to section 37 and notification of the broadcaster’s right to appeal from this decision. The Authority shall provide the broadcaster and, where relevant the complainant, with a copy of its decision.
37. Sanctions
(1) Where the Authority determines that a licensee is in breach of the Advertising Code, the Programme Code and/or its license conditions it may apply one or more of the following sanctions:-
order the broadcaster to broadcast a message;
issue a written warning to the broadcaster; or
order the broadcaster to take such action or desist from taking such action as it deems necessary to rectify or prevent repetition of the breach.
(2) In cases of repeated breach of license conditions, the Authority may order a licensee to pay a fine not exceeding 2% of its total revenues for the previous year, provided that such fines shall be paid into general government revenues.
(3) In cases of repeated and gross breach of license conditions, the Authority may order the suspension of part or all of the Programme Schedule of a licensee or terminate its license.
(4) For breach of a rule relating to broadcast content, the Authority shall not impose the sanctions provided for in sub-sections (2) or (3) except in cases of repeated and gross breach and where other sanctions have failed to prevent further breach.
(5) Where any body deliberately carries on an unlicensed broadcasting activity in contravention of sub-section 20(1), or deliberately transfers a broadcasting license in contravention of sub-section 26(4), the Authority may order the termination of that broadcasting activity, a fine and/or the confiscation of the equipment used in the illegal activity.
(6) Failure to comply with an order of the Authority under this section shall be deemed to be contempt of court and, where a licensee fails within a reasonable time to comply with such an order, the Authority may request the prosecutor to institute contempt proceedings.
CHAPTER IX
APPEALS
38. Appeals
Any person aggrieved by a decision of the Authority granting or refusing to grant a license, renewing or refusing to renew a license, imposing conditions as part of a license or imposing or refusing to impose a sanction on a licensee may appeal to the courts for a review of that decision.
CHAPTER X
FINAL PROVISIONS
39. Existing Regulations
Any regulations which relate to, or institutions with responsibility over, broadcasting shall not be affected by the coming into force of this Act, provided that any such regulations or institutions are, at that time, deemed to be amended, repealed or terminated to the extent that they have been superseded, supplanted or contradict provisions in this Act.
40. Institutional Arrangements
(1) Broadcasters already in existence on the date this Act comes into force shall make any necessary adjustments to comply with the provisions of this Act within six (6) months of that date, except as specifically provided for in this Act or pursuant to a decision of the Authority.
(2) The Authority shall be established within six (6) months of this Act coming into force.
41. Jatiya Sangsad may Give Instructions
The Jatiya Sangsad may, in writing, give the Authority directions of a general or specific nature, and the Authority shall comply with every such direction.
42. Rules and Regulations
(1) The Government may, by notification published in the Gazette, make rules and regulations for carrying out the purposes of this Act, provided that such rules and regulations are not inconsistent with this Act.
(2) In particular, the Minister shall make rules relating to the appointment of the Appointments Committee, pursuant to section 6(3) and relating to compensation of Members, pursuant to section 10(3).
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AHM. Bazlur Rahman-S21BR, Chief Executive Officer
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC)
& Member, Strategy Council UN-Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UN GAID)
House: 13/1, Road:2, Shaymoli, Dhaka-1207 Post Box: 5095, Dhaka 1205 Bangladesh
Phone: 88-02-9130750, 88-02-9138501 01711881647 Fax: 88-02-9138501-105E-mail: ceo@bnnrc.net, bnnrc@bd.drik.net www.bnnrc.net
Act. No. …….of ..…
CHAPTER I
PRELIMINARY MATTERS
An Act to provide for the regulation of broadcasting services, including terrestrial, satellite and cable broadcasting, and to make provision for the establishment of an independent Authority for the purpose of overseeing broadcasting regulation with a view to promoting independent, pluralistic broadcasting in the public interest;
Whereas it is expedient to set clear rules for the regulation of broadcasting services in Bangladesh so as to ensure the orderly and effective development of this sector, and to provide for the establishment of an independent Authority to oversee such regulation and for the transfer of the related powers and functions of the Ministry of Information to the Authority;
Now, therefore, it is hereby enacted as follows:-
1. Short Title and Commencement
(1) This Act may be cited as the Bangladesh Broadcasting Act, 2003.
(2) This Act shall come into operation on such date as the Government may, by notification published in the Gazette, specify, provided that in the absence of such notification, this Act shall come into effect six months after it has been passed by the Jatiya Sangsad.
2. Definitions
In this Act, except where the subject or context otherwise requires:-
“advertisement” means any public announcement intended to promote the sale, purchase or rental of a product or service, to advance a cause or idea or to bring about some other effect desired by the advertiser, for which broadcasting time has been given up to the advertiser for remuneration or similar consideration;
“Advertising Code” means a set of standards governing broadcast content which constitutes an advertisement;
“Authority” means the Bangladesh Broadcasting Authority;
“basic service” means the minimum bouquet of television and/or radio channels which subscribers to a cable service are required to purchase;
“broadcasting” means the dissemination of broadcast programming, including through terrestrial transmitters, cable, satellite or any other medium, for public consumption and for simultaneous reception, whether or not by subscription, through a radio and/or television broadcast receiver or other related electronic equipment, but does not include communications internal to a private organisation or government body, such as closed circuit television or internal address systems, or Internet communications;
“broadcaster” means an organisation that engages in broadcasting, be it a public service broadcaster, a private broadcaster or a community broadcaster;
“Broadcasting Frequency Plan” means a plan for the allocation of the broadcasting frequency spectrum among the various uses such as television and radio, national, regional and local licenses, and public, private and community broadcasters;
“broadcasting frequency spectrum” means that part of the electromagnetic wave spectrum which is part of the public domain and which may be assigned by the Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commission to be used for broadcasting uses, but does not include other frequencies, such as those used for telecommunications purposes;
“broadcasting service” means a defined service which consists in the broadcasting of television or sound material to the public, sections of the public or subscribers to such service;
“cable broadcasting” means the transmission by cables of a broadcasting service, including re-transmission by cables of broadcast signals;
“private broadcaster” means a broadcasting organisation that is neither a public broadcaster nor a community broadcaster;
“community broadcaster” means a broadcaster which is controlled by a non-profit entity and operates on a non-profit basis, carries programming serving a particular community including by reflecting the special interests and needs of that community, and is managed and operated primarily by members of that community;
“Fund” means the Bangladesh Broadcasting Authority Fund;
“independent producer” means an individual or company who produces programmes for radio or television and who is independent of any individual broadcaster;
“license” means a license issued by the Authority for purposes of providing a broadcasting service to the public;
“licensee” means and individual or organisation who has been granted a license to provide a broadcasting service to the public;
“Minister” means the minister in charge of the Ministry responsible for broadcasting;
“Programme Code” means a set of standards relating to general broadcasting content and practices;
“Programme Schedule” means a plan indicating the general types of programmes proposed to be broadcast, along with the percentage of broadcasting time to be devoted to such programmes and to advertising, and the target audience but for cable services the Programme Schedule means a description of the basic service and of all other services provided;
“public broadcaster” means a broadcaster subject to public ownership which has a mandate to broadcast in the public interest, such as Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar;
“satellite broadcasting” means the dissemination of a broadcasting service by means of satellite transmission, whether such service is provided free-to-air or on a subscription basis;
“Spectrum Management Committee” means the Spectrum Management Committee constituted under section 56 of the Bangladesh Telecommunications Act, 2001;
“sponsorship” means the participation of a natural or legal person who is not engaged in broadcasting activities or the production of audiovisual works in the direct or indirect financing of a programme with a view to promoting the name, trademark or image of that person;
“subscriber” means a person who receives a broadcasting service at a specific location in exchange for a prescribed fee, without further transmitting that service to any other person; and
“terrestrial broadcasting” means the dissemination of a broadcasting service via the radio frequency for direct reception by homes or businesses without needing equipment other than radio or television equipment.
3. Application
(1) This Act shall apply to the whole of Bangladesh.
(2) This Act shall have effect notwithstanding any contrary provision in any other law.
CHAPTER II
ESTABLISHMENT AND CONSTITUTION OF AUTHORITY
4. Establishment of Authority
(1) There is hereby established the Bangladesh Broadcasting Authority. The Authority is an independent institution which is accountable to the Jatiya Sangsad.
(2) The Authority shall be a body corporate having perpetual succession and a common seal.
(3) The Authority shall have all powers, direct or incidental, as are necessary to undertake its functions as provided for in this Act and it shall have full legal personality, including the power to sue and be sued, and the power to acquire, hold and dispose of property.
(4) The Authority shall enjoy operational and administrative autonomy from any other person or entity, except as specifically provided for in this or any other law
(5) This autonomy of the Authority shall be respected at all times and no person or entity shall seek to influence its members or staff in the discharge of their duties, or to interfere with its activities, except in the discharge of a specific authority or duty provided for by law.
5. Mandate of the Authority
(1) The Authority is charged with the oversight of broadcasting in Bangladesh, consistent with constitutional and international standards and the guarantee of freedom of expression, and with promoting the public interest in the broadcasting sector.
(2) The Authority shall be responsible for:-
a. developing and implementing a Broadcasting Frequency Plan to ensure orderly and optimal use of the broadcasting frequency spectrum;
b. issuing licenses to provide broadcasting services to the public and ensuring that license conditions are respected; and
c. overseeing the development of the Advertising Code and Programme Code and the implementation of those Codes.
(3) In discharging its responsibilities, the Authority shall endeavour to promote the following goals:-
uphold the Constitution of Bangladesh, as well as human rights, democracy and the rule of law;
protect freedom of expression;
encourage creative national broadcasting, including by licensing all three types of broadcaster, namely public, private and community;
promote a diverse range of quality broadcasting services which serve all of Bangladesh’s language and cultural groups;
enhance the public’s right to know through promoting pluralism and a wide variety of programming on matters of public interest;
prevent monopolisation of ownership and promote fair competition in the broadcasting sector;
promote accurate, informative and balanced programming;
encourage the provision of quality educational programming;
promote the widest possible geographic distribution of broadcasting services, including by licensing national, as well as local and municipal broadcasters;
develop and promote broadcasting reflecting national and regional culture and identity;
promote the appropriate use of new technology; and
enhance the overall financial and competitive viability of broadcasting in Bangladesh.
6. Appointment of Members
(1) The Authority shall consist of five (5) Members, all of whom shall have some expertise, by virtue of their education or experience, in the area of broadcasting, including in the fields of policy, law, technology, journalism and/or business and who shall be know for their high moral standards, integrity, impartiality and competence.
(2) An Appointments Committee shall be established consisting of representatives of civil society, including representatives from:-
(a) media outlets;
(b) media and journalists’ NGOs and associations;
(c) the legal profession;
(d) the medical profession;
(e) representatives of consumer interests;
(f) universities; and
(g) human rights NGOs.
[THESE ARE ONLY SUGGESTIONS; OTHERS MAY NEED TO BE ADDED OR DELETED TO FIT THE BANGLADESHI SITUATION]
(3) The Minister shall, by notification published in the Gazette, make regulations providing for the appointment of the Appointments Committee and the procedure to be followed by the Appointments Committee in making nominations.
(4) The Appointments Committee shall forward a shortlist of nominations comprising not less than seven (7) individuals to the Minister, who shall appoint five (5) from among them as Members.
(5) The appointments process shall be open, transparent and fair.
(6) A list of all candidates on the shortlist prepared by the Appointments Committee shall be published and the public shall be given an opportunity to make representations concerning these candidates prior to appointment.
(7) The Appointments Committee and the Minister shall strive to ensure that membership of the Authority as a whole represents a broad cross-section of Bangladesh society.
(8) All Members of the Authority shall be independent and impartial in the exercise of their functions, shall represent the public interest and not the body that nominated them or any other particular interest, and shall, at all times, seek to promote the goals set out in sub-section 5(3).
7. Disqualifications of Members
(1) No one shall be appointed as a Member of the Authority if he or she:-
is not a citizen of Bangladesh;
is employed in the civil service or any other branch of government;
holds an elected position in the Jatiya Sangsad or in any local government, or holds an official office in, or is an employee of, a political party;
holds, directly or indirectly, significant financial interests in telecommunications or broadcasting;
is an undischarged bankrupt or has been declared by a registered bank as a defaulter loanee; or
has been convicted of a violent crime and/or a crime of moral turpitude unless five years has passed since the sentence was discharged;
provided that individuals who have been nominated pursuant to sub-section 6(4) shall be given an adequate opportunity to take any necessary steps to remove a barrier to their appointment under this sub-section.
(2) Where, by virtue of a will, gift or otherwise, a Member obtains an interest noted in sub-section (1)(d), he or she shall, within a period of two (2) months, either dispose of the interest or resign from his or her position as Member.
(3) In any case where sub-section (2) becomes applicable to a Member, he or she shall not take part in any decision-making process of the Authority until he or she has either disposed of the relevant interest or resigned.
8. Tenure and Removal
(1) Members shall serve on the Authority for five (5) years and may be re-elected to serve a maximum of two terms, provided that the Minister shall identify two (2) individuals from among the original group of appointees whose initial term of office shall be just two (2) years.
(2) A Member may be removed from office only that individual:-
becomes, by virtue of sub-section 7(1), ineligible for appointment to the Authority;
commits a serious violation of his or her responsibilities under this Act, including by failing to promote the goals set out in sub-section 5(3), by engaging in corrupt practices, or for gross negligence of duty;
is no longer able to perform his or her duties effectively, whether due to physical or mental disability or any other cause; or
fails, without valid excuse, to attend three consecutive meetings of the Authority.
(3) Where it is proposed to remove a Member from office, an Enquiry Committee consisting of two (2) or more judges from the Supreme Court shall be constituted with a view to enquiring into the matter, including by giving the Member in question an opportunity to be heard.
(4) The Minister shall take the report of the Enquiry Committee into account when deciding whether or not to remove a Member from office.
(5) Any Member who is removed from office pursuant to sub-section (4) shall be provided with written reasons for his or her removal and shall have the right to appeal against the Minister’s decision to the courts.
(6) Where a Member is removed from office pursuant to sub-section (4), or a Member resigns or dies, that Member shall be duly replaced under the same conditions, and in the same manner, as he or she was appointed.
9. Rules of Procedure
(1) The Authority shall appoint its own Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson.
(2) The Authority shall adopt such rules, in relation to meetings and other matters, as it considers necessary and appropriate to enable it to perform its functions and all business shall be conducted in accordance with such rules.
(3) The Authority shall meet as often as it deems necessary and shall, in any case, meet at least once in every two months.
(4) Meetings of the Authority shall be convened by the Chairperson, or in his absence the Vice-Chairperson, provided that it shall be mandatory to convene a meeting within seven days of a request for such a meeting by not less than two Members.
(5) The Chairperson or, in his or her absence the Vice-Chairperson, shall preside at all meetings of the Authority.
(6) The quorum for meetings of the Authority shall be three members, save that the quorum for a meeting at which the Authority is to determine an application for a broadcasting license shall be four Members.
(7) A decision at a meeting of the Authority shall be adopted by a simple majority of the Members present and voting except as otherwise decided by the Authority. In case of an equality of votes, the Member presiding over the meeting shall have a casting vote in addition to his or her deliberative vote.
(8) The Secretary of the Authority shall attend all meetings of the Authority as a non-voting member, unless in any particular case the Authority otherwise directs.
(9) Minutes shall be kept in proper form of each meeting of the Authority and shall be confirmed by the Authority at the next meeting and signed by the Member presiding over the meeting.
(10) The Authority may act notwithstanding any vacancy in its membership.
10. Remuneration of Members
(1) Members of the Authority shall receive remuneration for their work in accordance with a schedule, as provided for in sub-section (3).
(2) Members of the Authority shall be compensated for actual expenses, including travel, accommodation and subsistence, incurred as a result of their duties as members of the Authority.
(3) Remuneration of Members shall be in accordance with a set schedule, approved in advance by the Minister, and compensation of Members shall be according to set regulations, approved in advance by the Minister.
(4) The rules relating to remuneration and compensation shall not be changed in relation to a Member after his or her appointment in a manner that disadvantages him or her.
11. Committees
(1) The Authority may, for the purpose of assisting it in the effective discharge of its functions, appoint such committees as it deems necessary, consisting of one or more Members and such other persons as may be required or desirable.
(2) The Authority may delegate any of its functions under this Act to any of its officers or committees.
12. Staff
(1) The Members shall appoint the Secretary to the Authority and fix his or her salary and duties.
(2) The provisions of section 7 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to the Secretary.
(3) The Members shall set the conditions of employment of the Secretary and may, outside of these conditions and by a vote of not less than four (4), remove the Secretary from office.
(4) A Secretary who has been removed by the Authority pursuant to sub-section (3) shall be provided with written reasons and shall have the right to appeal his or her removal to the courts.
(5) The Members shall, in accordance with the budget and in consultation with the Secretary, establish a full-time Secretariat of the Authority, along with such regional offices and such staff as it considers necessary and appropriate to enable it to perform its functions.
(6) The Secretary and employees of the Authority shall be independent and impartial in the exercise of their functions and shall, at all times, seek to promote the goals set out in sub-section 5(3).
13. Funding for the Authority
(1) The Authority shall have a fund to be known as the Bangladesh Broadcasting Authority Fund.
(2) The Authority may receive funds paid into the Fund from the following sources:-
license fees paid by broadcasters under this Act;
grants from the government;
grants from local or foreign bodies;
loans; and
moneys received from other sources.
(3) Three months prior to the end of each financial year, the Authority shall submit to the Minister for his or her approval a budget statement for the following financial year, including any operating funds requested by the Authority from the government.
(4) The Minister shall be required to table the budget statement before the Jatiya Sangsad for its consideration prior to approving, rejecting or modifying the statement.
(5) The Authority shall maintain accounts of all monies received and spent by it and shall, within sixty (60) days of the end of each financial year, submit such accounts to be audited by a registered firm of chartered accountants.
(6) The Authority shall formally submit a copy of its audited accounts to the Minister, who shall place them before the Jatiya Sangsad for its consideration.
(7) Notwithstanding any contrary provision in any other law, the Authority shall not be liable to pay income tax on any property held or received, or on any income earned and the Authority is hereby exempted from the payment of such tax.
14. Annual Report
(1) The Authority shall publish and distribute widely an Annual Report, along with its audited accounts. The Annual Report shall include the following information:-
a description of the activities of the Authority during the previous year;
information relating to licensing, complaints and research;
a description of any sanctions applied by the Authority and the decisions relating thereto;
information relating to the Broadcasting Frequency Plan;
an analysis of the extent to which it has met its objectives of the previous year;
its objectives for the coming year;
any recommendations in the area of broadcasting;
its income and expenditure over the previous year; and
a proposed budget for the coming year.
(2) The Authority shall formally submit the Annual Report to the Minister, who shall place it before Jatiya Sangsad for its consideration.
CHAPTER III
FUNCTIONS AND POWERS
15. Functions of the Authority
The Authority shall have the following functions:-
to play a leading role in the development and updating of the Broadcasting Frequency Plan in a manner that ensures broadcasting diversity;
to participate in the activities of the Spectrum Management Committee;
to undertake licensing of broadcasters;
to ensure that broadcasters respect the conditions of their licenses, as well as the rules set out in this Act; and
to develop and implement the Advertising Code and the Programme Code.
16. Undue Concentration of Ownership
(1) The Authority shall take such reasonable steps as it deems necessary to prevent undue concentration of broadcast media ownership, monopoly practices and unfair competition.
(2) No individual shall exercise direct or indirect control over more than one national television, radio or newspaper outlet.
(3) No individual shall exercise direct or indirect control over more than one broadcaster covering the same geographical area.
17. Investigations
(1) The Authority shall have the power to conduct investigations and hold hearings as necessary to discharge its responsibilities under this Act.
(2) When holding a hearing, the Authority shall have the power to require the production of evidence and to compel witnesses to testify before it.
(3) Hearings of the Authority shall be conducted in accordance with the rules of natural justice.
CHAPTER IV
FREQUENCY PLANNING
18. Broadcasting Frequencies
(1) A representative of the Authority shall sit on the Spectrum Management Committee established by section 56 of the Bangladesh Telecommunications Act, 2001.
(2) The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, after consultation with the Authority and other interested parties, and in accordance with International Telecommunications (ITU) rules, shall from time to time allocate a fair portion of the electromagnetic wave spectrum to be used for broadcasting uses, to be known as the broadcasting frequency spectrum. Such allocation shall take into account broadcasting needs and the public interest in a diverse broadcasting sector, as well as competing telecommunications needs.
19. Broadcasting Frequency Plan
(1) The Authority shall, in consultation with interested stakeholders, develop and from time to time revise a Broadcasting Frequency Plan, which shall include a locator map, in order to promote the optimal use of these frequencies and the widest possible broadcasting diversity.
(2) The Broadcasting Frequency Plan shall ensure that, in accordance with the goals set out in sub-section 5(3), the broadcasting frequency spectrum is shared equitably and in the public interest among the three tiers of broadcasting – public, private and community – the two types of broadcasters – radio and television – and broadcasters of different geographic reach –national, regional and local.
(3) The Broadcasting Frequency Plan, along with any revisions to it, shall be published and disseminated widely.
(4) The Broadcasting Frequency Spectrum Plan may reserve certain frequencies for future use for specific categories of broadcasters in order to ensure diversity and equitable access to frequencies over time.
CHAPTER V
LICENSING
20. Broadcast License Requirement
(1) It is prohibited to provide a broadcasting service except in accordance with a valid broadcasting license.
(2) The Authority shall have exclusive responsibility in relation to issuing and renewing licenses.
(3) The Authority shall maintain a register of licenses, which shall be available for public inspection.
21. Existing broadcasting services
(1) The existing public broadcasters, Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television, shall be guaranteed broadcasting service licenses.
(2) Bodies currently providing broadcasting services which have been approved by the Ministry of Information and/or the Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Authority shall be required to apply for a broadcasting service license within three (3) months of the establishment of the Authority, provided that there shall be a presumption that they shall be provided with such a license absent overriding countervailing reasons in the public interest.
22. New Licenses
(1) From time to time, the Authority shall determine whether it is in the public interest, based on the Broadcasting Frequency Plan, broadcasting policy, interest by potential broadcasters and market capacity, to hold a competition with a view to issuing additional licenses to provide a broadcasting service.
(2) Where it is proposed to issue additional licenses, the Authority shall publish widely a notice to that effect. The notice shall include all relevant information about the proposed licenses, including the deadline for receipt of applications, any application fee and the annual license concession fee.
(3) The Authority shall adopt in advance regulations setting out the process to be followed in submitting an application and a description of what information must be provided, as well as a schedule of the annual license concession fees, established in accordance with section 29.
(4) The Authority may, in the absence of a call for licenses, also receive applications to provide a broadcasting service for which there does not appear to be serious competition.
(4) Applicants for a broadcasting service license shall be required to provide detailed financial, technical and, where relevant, proposed customer or subscriber information, as well as a Programme Schedule.
(5) An application for a license to provide a cable service shall include information about the channels proposed to be provided within the basic service, as well as any other channels which may be purchased.
(6) The process for receiving and assessing license applications shall be open, transparent and fair.
23. License Frequency
(1) Prior to deciding whether or not to issue new broadcasting service licenses, the Authority shall liase with the Spectrum Management Committee to ensure that any frequencies which may be required for the proposed licenses are available.
(2) The Authority and the Spectrum Management Committee shall agree on the specific frequencies to be allocated for each proposed license in advance of the notice under section 22(2) being issued.
24. Assessing License Applications
(1) The process for assessing licenses shall be fair, non-discriminatory and transparent.
(2) The Authority shall, within 60 days of the closing date for applications, decide on a competitive basis whether or not to issue a broadcasting service license to an applicant, provided that the 60-day limit may be extended where there are exceptional reasons to justify this.
(3) The Authority shall take the following factors into account in deciding whether or not to issue a broadcasting service license to an applicant:-
the technical capacity of the applicant to deliver a quality service, taking into account the nature of the proposed service;
the nature and extent of the financial resources of the applicant and the financial viability of the proposal;
the effect of licensing the proposed service in terms of monopolies, cross ownership and fair competition;
the need to promote broadcasting produced in the different regions and by the different cultures of Bangladesh;
the promotion of the widest possible diversity of programming, taking into account the proposed Programme Schedule, the demand and the need for that service, and the broadcasting services already being provided in that area; and
the need to promote locally produced programming which serves the needs and interests of the people of Bangladesh.
(4) The Authority shall provide written notice of its decision to all applicants for broadcasting service licenses. Where the application is refused, this notice shall include the reasons for the refusal, as well as information regarding the applicant’s right of appeal.
(5) A license shall not be issued to a political party or to a body which is substantially owned or controlled by someone with a senior post in a political party.
(6) A license shall not be issued to an individual who is not a resident or citizen of Bangladesh, or to an entity which does not have recognised legal status in Bangladesh or which is subject to majority control by non-residents or non-citizens.
(6) Upon the grant by the Authority of an application under sub-section (2), it shall cause notify
(7) cation of that decision to be published in the Gazette.
25. License Renewals
(1) An application for the renewal of a license shall be made within the last three months before the date of expiry of the existing license.
(2) A licensee shall be entitled to have a broadcasting service license renewed, provided that the Authority may refuse to renew a license where the licensee has operated in significant breach of its license conditions or where this is clearly in the public interest, based on the goals set out in sub-section 5(3).
(3) At the time of renewal, either a licensee or the Authority may propose amendments to the license conditions and the Authority may accept or reject these amendments, provided that any amendments imposed by the Authority must be consistent with section 31.
(4) The Authority may, when considering an application for the renewal of a license, require such new or additional information as it may deem necessary.
(5) If at the date of expiry of a license the Authority has not yet reached a decision in respect of an application to renew it, the license shall continue to be of effect until the application for its renewal is granted or refused by the Authority.
(6) A license renewal shall be for the same period as the original license.
(7) The Authority shall provide a licensee with written reasons, in advance of a final decision, of any proposed decision not to renew a license and shall give the licensee an opportunity to make oral and/or written representations.
(8) Where the Authority does not renew a license, it shall provide written reasons for its decision.
CHAPTER VI
LICENSE CONDITIONS
26. License Conditions
(1) A license shall stipulate any frequency or frequencies to be used by the broadcaster.
(2) Licenses shall be for a period of five (5) years for a radio and ten (10) years for a television broadcasting service.
(3) Compliance with the Advertising and Programme Codes, and all matters specified in the license application, including the Programme Schedule, are deemed to be license conditions.
(4) Licenses are not transferable to any other person without the prior approval of the Authority.
(5) Broadcasters may only broadcast programmes which they produced or for which they hold broadcasting rights and copyright must be clearly indicated as part of the credits displayed with each programme.
(6) The name of the producer of every programme shall be displayed at the end of the programme.
(7) Terrestrial and satellite broadcasters are required to keep a master recording of all programmes broadcast for at least twenty-eight (28) days after they have been broadcast provided that where specific broadcast material is the subject of a dispute, the relevant broadcaster shall, at the request of the Authority, keep a master recording of that broadcast material until the matter has been resolved fully.
(8) Cable broadcasters are required to keep a register of the programme channels and advertisements distributed for at least twenty-eight (28) days after they have been distributed, provided that where specific broadcast material is the subject of a dispute, the relevant broadcaster shall, at the request of the Authority, keep a record of it until the matter has been resolved fully.
(9) If six (6) months expire after the granting or renewal of a license before any broadcasting service is provided, that license shall lapse.
(10) Licensed cable broadcasters shall include, without any deletion or alteration, within the top ten (10) prime band channels of their basic service, Bangladesh Television and at least two other locally licensed terrestrial or satellite television channels, provided that they shall not bear any liability or responsibility for these broadcasts.
(11) Licensees are required to report annually to the Authority on their activities, including the observance of license conditions.
27. General Terms and Conditions
(1) The Authority may, from time to time, by notification published in the Gazette, adopt regulations setting out general license terms and conditions either of general application for all licensees or for different types of licensees (such as terrestrial, satellite or cable).
(2) Such terms and conditions may, among other things, set maximum tariffs to be charged by cable broadcasters.
28. Specific License Conditions
(1) The Authority may attach such reasonable conditions, including in relation to technical matters, to a broadcasting service license as it deems necessary to promote the goals set out in sub-section 5(3).
(2) Such conditions may, in particular, relate to:-
the power limitations in respect of a station, the technical servicing and inspection of a station and any other technical specifications;
the prevention of electric and other disturbances or radio reception of the transmission over any telegraph line;
the location of a transmitter station and, where applicable, and the specific geographical area to which broadcasts may be made.
29. License Fees
(1) The Authority shall, from time to time as it deems necessary, in consultation with interested parties and taking into account market considerations, produce a schedule of the applicable annual license concession fees, setting out the rates for various types of broadcasting licenses (classified by tier – public, private or community – type – radio or television, terrestrial, satellite or cable – and scope – national, regional or local, or number of subscribers).
(2) This schedule shall come into force after it has been placed before the Jatiya Sangsad for 30 days and published by notification in the Gazette.
(3) Licensees shall be required to pay to the Authority the applicable annual license concession fee, in accordance with the schedule currently in force.
30. License Condition Amendments
(1) Broadcasters may propose amendments to their licenses to the Authority, which may approve or refuse such amendments, provided that if the Authority fails to respond to a proposal within 30 working days after receiving it, the Authority shall be deemed to have accepted it.
(2) The Authority may, in respect of any particular broadcasting service license, and after giving the license holder an opportunity to make written representations, amend of its own motion any of the prescribed conditions, including adding further conditions:-
if the Authority is of the opinion that this is in the interest of orderly spectrum management; or
in order to give effect to any international treaty governing broadcasting matters to which Bangladesh is a party.
31. General Restriction on Specific License Conditions
No license conditions shall imposed under sections 27, 28 or 30 unless they:-
are relevant to broadcasting;
further the goals set out in sub-section 5(3); and
are reasonable and realistic, given the licensee.
CHAPTER VII
THE ADVERTISING AND PROGRAMME CODES
32. The Codes
(1) The Authority shall, in consultation with broadcasters, journalists and other interested parties, draw up, and from time to time review, an Advertising Code and a Programme Code for broadcasters.
(2) The Codes shall be published and every licensee shall be provided with a copy of each Code.
33. The Advertising Code
(1) The Advertising Code shall address a range of issues relating to broadcast advertising, including the following:-
all advertisements shall be clearly identified as such;
no broadcaster shall carry advertisements for alcohol or for medicines which are available only with a prescription;
advertising by private and community broadcasters shall be limited to 20% of total daily programming on any given channel and to 25% of any given hour;
advertising by public broadcasters shall be limited to 10% of total daily programming on any given channel and to 12.5% of any given hour;
except in accordance with this section or any regulations promulgated by the Central Election Commission [INSERT CORRECT NAME], no broadcaster shall carry any advertisement for or on behalf of any political party or candidate for election to political office; and
subject to any regulations promulgated by the Central Election Commission [INSERT CORRECT NAME], the Authority may, by notification published in the Gazette, adopt regulations regarding political advertisements during elections, provided that any such regulations shall be based on the principle that parties and candidates should be granted equitable, non-discriminatory access to licensees.
(2) The Advertising Code may also set rules regarding programme sponsorship.
34. The Programme Code
The Programme Code shall, among other things, clarify in detail standards in relation to the following programming obligations:-
to be balanced and impartial in news and current affairs programming and to strive for accuracy in these programmes;
to encourage the development of Bangladeshi expression, including by independent producers, by providing a wide range of programming that reflects the attitudes, opinions, ideas, values and artistic creativity of Bangladeshis;
to protect children against harmful material;
to classify programmes, including films, according to the recommended age of viewers;
to keep within accepted boundaries in relation to the portrayal of sexual conduct and violence;
to promote tolerance and respect for religious and ethnic minorities, and disadvantaged groups;
to respect privacy; and
to respect religious views.
CHAPTER VIII
BREACH OF LICENSE CONDITIONS
35. Complaints and Monitoring
(1) Anyone who believes that a licensee has breached the Advertising Code or the Programme Code may lodge a complaint in writing with the Authority and the Authority shall investigate every such complaint, unless it considers the complaint to be frivolous or manifestly unfounded.
(2) It shall be the duty of the Authority to ensure that all licensees comply with their license conditions and, to this end, the Authority may monitor licensees and undertake an investigation where it believes there may have been a breach of a license condition.
36. Investigations
(1) Where it conducts an investigation pursuant to section 35, the Authority shall provide the broadcaster with adequate written notice of any allegation of a breach and with a reasonable opportunity to make representations. In the case of a complaint, the Authority shall also provide the complainant with a reasonable opportunity to make representations.
(2) The Authority shall, absent exceptional circumstances, come to a decision in relation to a complaint within two (2) months.
(3) Where the Authority decides that a licensee is in breach of the Advertising Code, the Programme Code and/or its license conditions, it shall publish its decision, including reasons for its decision, any sanction to be imposed pursuant to section 37 and notification of the broadcaster’s right to appeal from this decision. The Authority shall provide the broadcaster and, where relevant the complainant, with a copy of its decision.
37. Sanctions
(1) Where the Authority determines that a licensee is in breach of the Advertising Code, the Programme Code and/or its license conditions it may apply one or more of the following sanctions:-
order the broadcaster to broadcast a message;
issue a written warning to the broadcaster; or
order the broadcaster to take such action or desist from taking such action as it deems necessary to rectify or prevent repetition of the breach.
(2) In cases of repeated breach of license conditions, the Authority may order a licensee to pay a fine not exceeding 2% of its total revenues for the previous year, provided that such fines shall be paid into general government revenues.
(3) In cases of repeated and gross breach of license conditions, the Authority may order the suspension of part or all of the Programme Schedule of a licensee or terminate its license.
(4) For breach of a rule relating to broadcast content, the Authority shall not impose the sanctions provided for in sub-sections (2) or (3) except in cases of repeated and gross breach and where other sanctions have failed to prevent further breach.
(5) Where any body deliberately carries on an unlicensed broadcasting activity in contravention of sub-section 20(1), or deliberately transfers a broadcasting license in contravention of sub-section 26(4), the Authority may order the termination of that broadcasting activity, a fine and/or the confiscation of the equipment used in the illegal activity.
(6) Failure to comply with an order of the Authority under this section shall be deemed to be contempt of court and, where a licensee fails within a reasonable time to comply with such an order, the Authority may request the prosecutor to institute contempt proceedings.
CHAPTER IX
APPEALS
38. Appeals
Any person aggrieved by a decision of the Authority granting or refusing to grant a license, renewing or refusing to renew a license, imposing conditions as part of a license or imposing or refusing to impose a sanction on a licensee may appeal to the courts for a review of that decision.
CHAPTER X
FINAL PROVISIONS
39. Existing Regulations
Any regulations which relate to, or institutions with responsibility over, broadcasting shall not be affected by the coming into force of this Act, provided that any such regulations or institutions are, at that time, deemed to be amended, repealed or terminated to the extent that they have been superseded, supplanted or contradict provisions in this Act.
40. Institutional Arrangements
(1) Broadcasters already in existence on the date this Act comes into force shall make any necessary adjustments to comply with the provisions of this Act within six (6) months of that date, except as specifically provided for in this Act or pursuant to a decision of the Authority.
(2) The Authority shall be established within six (6) months of this Act coming into force.
41. Jatiya Sangsad may Give Instructions
The Jatiya Sangsad may, in writing, give the Authority directions of a general or specific nature, and the Authority shall comply with every such direction.
42. Rules and Regulations
(1) The Government may, by notification published in the Gazette, make rules and regulations for carrying out the purposes of this Act, provided that such rules and regulations are not inconsistent with this Act.
(2) In particular, the Minister shall make rules relating to the appointment of the Appointments Committee, pursuant to section 6(3) and relating to compensation of Members, pursuant to section 10(3).
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AHM. Bazlur Rahman-S21BR, Chief Executive Officer
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC)
& Member, Strategy Council UN-Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UN GAID)
House: 13/1, Road:2, Shaymoli, Dhaka-1207 Post Box: 5095, Dhaka 1205 Bangladesh
Phone: 88-02-9130750, 88-02-9138501 01711881647 Fax: 88-02-9138501-105E-mail: ceo@bnnrc.net, bnnrc@bd.drik.net www.bnnrc.net
Welcome to Distinguish Participants:Community Radio Demonstration
Welcome to Distinguish Participants:
Community Radio Demonstration
@
Bangladesh Rice Research Institute
In collaboration with
International Rice Research Institute
18 August, 2009
By
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication
&Community Radio Academy
Community Radio Demonstration
@
Bangladesh Rice Research Institute
In collaboration with
International Rice Research Institute
18 August, 2009
By
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication
&Community Radio Academy
What is Digital Bangladesh
What is Digital Bangladesh?
by AHM Bazlur Rahman-S21BR
-Providing facilities of participation belonging to everyone in the free flow of
information and ensuring the participation on the basis of equality.
-Creating equal facilities to develop standard of living.
-Diminishing digital disparity as far as possible between the rural and the urban areas.
-Enhancing participation of rural community people in regard to the process of decision
making of the government.
-To promote the serving standard of the government by means of decentralization of
power and strengthening the local government.
How to make it possible to build Digital Bangladesh up?
(a) To put importance the ICT in superlatives for development effort.
-Transforming into knowledge based economy from industry based economy.
- Due to having a controlling role, the government always becomes conservative.
(b) To flourish ICT industry and accelerate it, in this sense to ensure Value Add.
-E commerce, B2B
-E learning, B2G
C2C
M Commerce
E Governance
G2C
G2B
G 2 Employee
Employee 2 G
G2G
(c) Strengthening Good Governance
- good social digital governance
- good economic digital governance
- good political digital governance
What are the challenges ?
- to change attitude
- implementation of budget
- making the best use of the present resources
- ensuring coordination ( govt. and private sector.)
-
What are the stages ?
- talks and discussions at national level
- making road map for work
- distribution of responsibilities amongst businessmen, CSO, government, and mass media.
-Providing facilities of participation belonging to everyone in the free flow of
information and ensuring the participation on the basis of equality.
-Creating equal facilities to develop standard of living.
-Diminishing digital disparity as far as possible between the rural and the urban areas.
-Enhancing participation of rural community people in regard to the process of decision
making of the government.
-To promote the serving standard of the government by means of decentralization of
power and strengthening the local government.
How to make it possible to build Digital Bangladesh up?
(a) To put importance the ICT in superlatives for development effort.
-Transforming into knowledge based economy from industry based economy.
- Due to having a controlling role, the government always becomes conservative.
(b) To flourish ICT industry and accelerate it, in this sense to ensure Value Add.
-E commerce, B2B
-E learning, B2G
C2C
M Commerce
E Governance
G2C
G2B
G 2 Employee
Employee 2 G
G2G
(c) Strengthening Good Governance
- good social digital governance
- good economic digital governance
- good political digital governance
What are the challenges ?
- to change attitude
- implementation of budget
- making the best use of the present resources
- ensuring coordination ( govt. and private sector.)
-
What are the stages ?
- talks and discussions at national level
- making road map for work
- distribution of responsibilities amongst businessmen, CSO, government, and mass media.
10 questions for building “Digital Bangladesh” :
1. Why are we trying to grow a positive determination in the government to make
digital Bangladesh?
2. Do we have clear conception about Digital Bangladesh and have knowledge about priority/ the right before others ?
3. What sort of Digital Bangladesh do we want to make?
4. How much willingness do we have politically to take forth Digital Bangladesh?
5. What do we expect from Digital Bangladesh?
6. How shall we issue plan for making Digital Bangladesh and how we can ensure its best implementation/ materialization?
7. How shall we face obstacles come from government part?
8. What will be the relationship of Digital Bangladesh with the private sector?
9. How can Digital Bangladesh be measured?
10. How can the participation of civil society be ensured for building Digital Bangladesh?
1. Why are we trying to grow a positive determination in the government to make
digital Bangladesh?
2. Do we have clear conception about Digital Bangladesh and have knowledge about priority/ the right before others ?
3. What sort of Digital Bangladesh do we want to make?
4. How much willingness do we have politically to take forth Digital Bangladesh?
5. What do we expect from Digital Bangladesh?
6. How shall we issue plan for making Digital Bangladesh and how we can ensure its best implementation/ materialization?
7. How shall we face obstacles come from government part?
8. What will be the relationship of Digital Bangladesh with the private sector?
9. How can Digital Bangladesh be measured?
10. How can the participation of civil society be ensured for building Digital Bangladesh?
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC)’s Effort Community Radio in Bangladesh: At the Door of Reality
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC)’s Effort Community Radio in Bangladesh: At the Door of Reality
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC)’s Effort
Community Radio in Bangladesh: At the Door of Reality
Community Radio (CR) movement has started in 1998 in Bangladesh. Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) along with other like-minded organizations and also representatives of the civil society started movement for CR operation.
In 2006, BNNRC in collaboration with other NGOs organized a Three-Day long Round Table on Community Radio as the National Advocacy Meeting. UNESCO, UNICEF and UNDP joined in the advocacy activities for the first time.
After Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed, the Honourable Chief Adviser of the Non-Party Caretaker Government of People’s Republic of Bangladesh, has taken the charge BNNRC organized a Letter Campaign regarding community radio. The objective of the campaign was to open up the community radio as a pilot basis. As the outcome of the campaign Office of the Chief Adviser sent an advice to the Ministry of Information in order to release permission for the pilot basis community radio.
For the first time in the history a high authority meeting is held at the conference room of the Information Ministry regarding community radio on the 23 July in 2007 chaired by the Information Secretary and organized by the Ministry of Information. After a comprehensive discussion regarding community radio as a pilot basis the meeting takes decision to form a ministerial committee of 8 members convened by the Director General of Bangladesh Betar who would make concept paper, regulatory framework and application form in relation to community radio and would submit to the Ministry by one month. According to the discussion the Ministry issues the circular regarding the 8 members-committee on 22nd May in 2007.
After several meetings the Director General of Bangladesh Betar finalized the draft of the concept paper, policy and application regarding community radio. BNNRC and MMC assisted the committee in this regard as member.
The Ministerial Committee officially presents the concept paper, policy and application regarding community radio in a meeting organized by the Ministry on 29th October in 2007. After a comprehensive discussion on the issue the meeting decides the submitted concept paper, policy and application forms to be sent to the different concerned ministries for comments and perusal. It is also decided in the meeting that another meeting would be held after the comments are received. According to the decision all the papers are already sent to the listed ministries for comments on 25th November in 2007.
An inter-ministerial meeting is held on the last 6th February. Representatives of the concerned ministries were present in the meeting. At last, the government formally announces the Community Radio Installation, Broadcast and Operation Policy 2008 on 12 March 2008. The Ministry of Information of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh invited very rapidly the applications for Community Radio installation, broadcast and operation from the interested organizations.
Role of BNNRC and Intervention
In order to facilitate the application and registration process of the organizations for Community Radio, BNNRC immediately opened a help desk in its secretariat in Dhaka. Receiving huge response from the interested development organizations and research institutions the authority extended the deadline up to 30 April. 450 organizations drew application forms from the Ministry and 178 applications have been submitted from different organizations in this regard.
In the whole process the Government ensured the proper participation and representation from civil society organizations through incorporating representatives in Regulatory Committee, Technical Committee and National Monitoring Committee for the successful operation of the Community Radio.
Under the above-mentioned circumstances, BNNRC set up a Community Radio Academy in Dhaka. This helps Community Radio stakeholders having on-hand training of technical and management skills, coming to know about the function, management, procedure, problem, prospect and sustainability of the Community Radio as a tool of ICT and having all concerned resources and facilities available for their progress and success.
Around the world and also south Asia community radio plays a vital role in overcoming political apathy by providing people with access to information about their local and national leaders. Empowered with this information, citizens can start to fight endemic corruption, developing methods to hold government officials accountable for their actions.
In this way, radio not only informs people about government failure, but it also provides the vehicle though which to work for positive political change. Because radio is a personal medium that speaks a local language, it also presents information about health problems and other community issues. For example, radio has proven an effective tool for teaching local populations about HIV/AIDS and combating the powerful social stigmas associated with this disease. Effective community radio programming helps to stimulate community discussion about attitudes and beliefs, and promotes behavior change.
Bangladesh has gone a long way towards creating an enabling environment for launching Community Radio. The Government has opened frequency for FM stations and satellite channels. It has also drafted the Bangladesh Broadcasting Act in 2003 with the aim of addressing social and economic issues.
It is a vital moment when Community Radio is going to make an important place in the communication field in the country. The last non-political Care Taker Government formulated Community Radio Installation, Broadcast and Operation Policy – 2008 on 12 March this year and gave an advertisement on 18 March in the newspaper asking applications from interested initiators to install Community Radio in the country.
Strength of the Policy
The present Government certainly deserves appreciation for approving a separate and exclusive Community Radio Installation, Broadcast and Operation Policy – 2008, which will accelerate democratic process and development of the unheard and marginalized people. Moreover, broadcasting local development news and advertisements related to development services along with other infotainment programmes is permitted through community radio. The acceptance of the internationally recognized and accepted fundamental principles of community radio in Bangladesh is positively observed. The most significant aspect of the policy is that all community radio stations will be owned and run by the proper representatives of the concerned community as an advisory committee and another management committee are mandatory with the real participation of the community people.
Policy Constraint
Considering the perspective of the non-profit development organizations working in rural and grass root level, the amount of the seize-able deposit worth BDT 1, 00,000 seems to be a huge burden to them. If not free, the deposit could be reduced remarkably so that the rural development organizations could come ahead to install CRS pacing with time. Alternately, the licensing authority can ask a bank guarantee of a certain amount of money as seize-able deposit preserved in the account of the intended applicant organization. There is another involvement of a large amount of money for frequency fee to be paid to BTRC. Considering all these practical difficulties, the broadcasting equipments to be imported could be exempted from tax at least for the two years of piloting period. It will promote and facilitate the expedition of community radio in the country.
National Help Desk
In order to facilitate the application and registration process of the organizations for Community Radio, Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) immediately opened a national help desk in its secretariat in Dhaka. As a result, BNNRC received huge response from the interested development organizations for technical support in this regard. 400 organizations drew application forms from the Ministry of Information and 180 applications have been submitted from different organizations in this regard.
In the whole process the Government ensured the proper participation and representation from civil society organizations through incorporating representatives in Regulatory Committee, Technical Committee and National Monitoring Committee for the successful operation of the Community Radio. In the category of expert representative, Government by the Presidential order nominated AHM Bazlur Rahman-S21BR, Chief Executive Officer of Bangladesh NGOs' Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) as a member of the central monitoring committee headed by Director General of Bangladesh Betar (Radio).
Community Radio Academy
Under the above-mentioned circumstances, BNNRC set up a Community Radio Academy in Dhaka. This will help Community Radio stakeholders having on-hand training of technical and management skills, coming to know about the function, management, procedure, problem, prospect and sustainability of the Community Radio as a tool of ICT and having all concerned resources and facilities available for their progress and success.
So that NGOs/CBOs and communities can prepare themselves for the ensuing challenges in operating Community Radio effectively by accommodating the use of limited resources to reach mass people including rural and disadvantage people. Moreover this academy will help academia, researchers, government officials, media activists, community leaders and policy makers to understand and work closely for the promotion and positive role of community radio for the advancement of Bangladesh in various development sectors.
Objectives of the Academy:
BNNRC has set up Community Radio Academy as one of its social enterprise to promote Community Radio installation, broadcasting and operation around the country. Its other objectives are
- To Promote the Effective use of Community Radio for Development;
- Take all measures for essential improvement of community radio broadcasting; Foster exchange between community radio broadcasters using communications to develop greater understanding in support of peace, tolerance, democracy and development.
- To organize seminars, workshops and other motivational program associated with community broadcasting; establish contact with other similar national and international organizations for promoting mutual benefit and understanding;
- To advocate for the higher-level, strategic policy linkages between community media support and existing human and economic development instruments and frameworks (eg, Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS); Millennium Development Goals (MDG) ), UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, Convention on the Rights of the Child(CRC) and World Summit on the Information Society Action plan (WSIS).
- To offer an extensive web-based platform of resources/ contents for community broadcasting professionals, Advise the Government and Policy makers on any matter relating to community radio and development; assist in the setting up of community radio with technical and professional expertise and as well as in securing funds;
- To strengthen networking among community radio stations, community radio promoters and independent community radio producers, and to facilitate exchange of radio programmes among them; assist communities in establishing community radio in different geographical areas keeping in mind the linguistic, cultural, ethnic and social diversity;
- To strengthen capabilities of established community radio stations with professional and technical assistance; organize periodic trainings for community radio producers and technicians; identify appropriate places, from technical and resources points of view, for encouraging establishment of radio stations;
- To disseminate research on the role of the community media in economic growth democratization and institutional reform process
- To produce manuals and reference materials in community radio, undertake community radio audience research/studies; active in lobbying and advocacy in order to mould public opinion in favor of making Community Radio Trust Fund that are conducive to the growth and expansion of community radio;
- To establish and promote contacts with like-minded international organizations for world solidarity in favor of promotion of community radio broadcasting.
BNNRC has already established Community Radio Academy (CRA) in its national secretariat in Dhaka. All the activities are implementing under three unites namely Research and Development, Capacity Building and Technical Cooperation of the academy. The academy will take necessary steps for arranging the following training courses, workshops and research works effectively
a) Research and Development:
Research and development activities on challenges and prospects of Community Radio operation in Bangladesh including baseline survey, policy advocacy, evaluation and monitoring, feedback, listeners’ survey, publishing newsletter, publishing Community Radio handbook, library and archive, Community Radio based web portal and case studies on success and failure of Community Radio will be accomplished.
b) Capacity Building:
8 basic and 8 advanced training courses will be arranged for about 240 Community Radio staff working across the country. 12 advocacy workshops, each in every month, will be arranged in center point in regional level with policy makers and stakeholders. An annual Community Radio conference of the stakeholders of all community radio stations located at different regions in Bangladesh will be arranged in Dhaka. Moreover, experience sharing, exposure trip, radio producing contents of program, news and talk show, capacity building training on program production, editing and presentation, support to budgeting and planning, broadcast management and schedule scripting will be arranged.
c) Technical Cooperation:
Technical support for studio set up, maintenance and broadcasting, schedule exchange, exchange visit, helps desk, trouble-shooting, national and international communication. Publishing four Reports
National Baseline Survey and Directory on Community Radio Initiators in Bangladesh
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) is going to conduct a national baseline survey on Community Radio in the country. Moreover, a directory of the community radio initiators in Bangladesh will be published soon from Community Radio Academy.
But, no survey or study was conducted in Bangladesh to identify the community choice, needs and demands about the language earlier, contents, broadcasting hour or types of programs to be used for community radio. In this situation, the aspirants and initiators of the community radio stations are actually in a total darkness about these immensely needed issues regarding community radio operation.
That is why BNNRC will conduct a national baseline survey of the community information needs, preparedness, acceptance and community choice through representational response, questionnaire, focus group discussion and taking interview in ten proposed areas priority areas for community radio set up selected from six divisions in the country. The survey report will be published and disseminated among the key stakeholders of community radio through arranging a national seminar in Dhaka.
Moreover, to strengthen a network and knowledge sharing among the community radio initiators, a directory of the community radio initiators in Bangladesh will be published incorporating mailing address, contact numbers, e-mail and web address. This directory will be disseminated among the community radio stakeholders including community radio staff, Government and non-government institutions, academician, donor agencies and policy makers.
Training Workshop on Community Radio: How to Get Started and Keep Going
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) along with other likeminded organizations has been conducting advocacy with the Government for community radio in Bangladesh since its inception. As a consequence, the Ministry of Information recently formulated Community Radio Installation, Broadcasting and Operation Policy 2008. Primarily 116 organizations were identified as eligible of policy approval for community radio. As a consequence, investigation by four Government intelligence wings is working in the field level to find out required integrity, quality and legal status of the CR initiators.
In this backdrop, with main focus on the role of community radio in developing life and livelihood of the rural communities, Community Radio Installation, Broadcast and Operation Policy – 2008 and technical operation of Community Radio and strategy of work-plan for sustainable operation of community radio, Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) organized a daylong training workshop on Community Radio: How to Get Started and Keep Going in Bangladesh at IDB Auditorium in Dhaka on Wednesday, 27 August, 2008.
A total of 136 representatives from 98 community radio initiators including non-government development and research organizations took part in the workshop.
First and Second Sessions: Key Concept and Guideline of Community Radio and Community Radio Policy in Bangladesh and statutory Requirements to Operate the Community Radio
Chief Executive Officer of BNNRC AHM Bazlur Rahman presented welcome address and presented key concepts of community radio operation and CR policy 2008 in the workshop. In his presentation, he said, it is high time the community radio initiators could design a business plan and work plan for a full-fledged community radio studio and station in the respective community location. So, every initiator should have a clear concept of the policy level and technical level expertise regarding setting up a community radio.
In this regard, Mr Rahman presented a pictorial discussion on four types of broadcasting systems, special features, preparation works, and framework and community involvement in a community radio station. During the question-answer session, CR initiators demanded reducing the importing tax from the community radio equipments and minimum charge for BTRC frequency allotment for community radio, as it is the starting period of CR operation in Bangladesh.
Session 3: Community Radio Technology
Technical Expert of Community Radio Academy Sohel Awrangzeb presented a paper on technical aspect including studio set up, equipments, production and broadcasting techniques and budget for a community radio station. In his presentation, Mr Awrangzeb gave a pictorial description of pre and post readiness of the studio, transmission, in-door and outdoor broadcasting, recording, editing and program production system of a community radio station. Through question-answer session, participants came to know the technical aspects in details regarding commencement of community radio operation.
Session 4: Gender Relations and Development in Community Radio Operation
At the fourth working session, Consultant of BNNRC A H M Abdul Hai presented a paper on Gender Relations and Development in Community Radio Operation while Researcher of Institute of Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) Ms. Shaila Simi was in the chair. A proposed gender policy in community radio mentioning women's access to the airwaves, women's representation on air, special needs of minority women, women's representation at all levels of station management, use of appropriate technology and funding and capacity building for women's radio complying with the gender policy for CRS by AMARC-WIN AP was presented at the workshop.
The respondents called for greater access to leadership, management, finances and the whole cycle of CR set-up. They also recommended changes in the program contents and participation in the various stages of production. Among the recommendations of the policy include training for women; use of free and open source software, a quota of at least 30 per cent for women's leadership and representation; and special radio programs for women. The policy also suggested more practical measures such as space allotment for child-care; flexible working hours; women-friendly equipment set-up and broadcast schedules; adequate lighting and security at the station; and transportation arrangements for women who live in remote areas.
Session 5: Plenary Session
At the plenary session, participants expressed their valued suggestions regarding way forward to enhance their capacity and skills in program production, broadcasting, technical set-up and operation of community radio stations. In this respect, NGO leaders stressed on the regular training and capacity building workshops for the community radio human resources from Community Radio Academy.
They also gave much emphasis on the active role of National Institute of Mass Communication (NIMC) in arranging training courses on community radio operation. They hailed BNNRC initiative of opening national help desk in its secretariat for all out information and technical support to the community radio initiators and establishment of Community Radio Academy.
From this academy training courses, technical support and research and development support round the year are highly expected by the community radio stakeholders. Moreover, conducting a national baseline survey on CR, producing a national geographical map marking the CR locations, developing training curriculum, handbook and arranging annual conference have been planned under the activities of CRA.
In the workshop, development organizations declared their commitment of distributing a large number of free radio sets among their stakeholders to ease the community radio listening for the poor community people.
Community Radio to give voice to the voiceless people
The community radio network could give the marginalized people of the country access to information and thus play immense role in the development of particular communities, speakers at a daylong international seminar said on Sunday. They said, the prospect of the Community Radio is that it could give voice to the voiceless people, but the rules and procedures of the licensing system should have provisions to ensure that the ownership of the information really remain within the community.
Asian Media Information and Communication Centre (AMIC), Bangladesh NGO’s Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC and United News of Bangladesh (UNB) jointly arranged the seminar with the theme “Peoples Voices, Peoples Participation and Community Radio” at the conference room of UNB.
Information Secretary Jamil Osman as Chief Guest inaugurated the seminar while former Chairman of Bangladesh Telecommunication and Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and former Secretary of the Government Syed Margub Morshed was in the chair. Country Director and Representative of UNESCO in Bangladesh Dr Malama Meleisea and Assistant Country Director of UNDP in Bangladesh K A M Morshed addressed the inaugural session as Special Guests.
Among others, Secretary General of AMIC Dr Indrajit Banerjee, Professor of International Institute of Communication, UK Dr Andrew Taussig, Director General of Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB) Mohammad Nazrul Islam and Chairman of UNB Amanullah Khan addressed the session. AMIC Head of Research Dr Kalinga Seneviratne presented the keynote paper of the session titled “Overview of Community Radio across Asia: Opportunities and Challenges”.
National Workshop on Community Radio in Bangladesh: Community Radio is going to be the Voice of Rural people
For the first time in Bangladesh a national workshop on Community Radio Awareness is held on 02-04 March 2008 at Bangladesh Open University (BOU) campus jointly arranged by Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) and Development Research Network (D.Net) in collaboration with Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (CEMCA) of Commonwealth of Learning (COL) and Bangladesh Open University (BOU). The workshop took place at the Media Centre in Bangladesh Open University at Gazipur, Dhaka.
The workshop is inaugurated by the Hon'ble Vice Chancellor of Bangladesh Open University Professor Dr. M Farid Ahmed. He said during the inauguration, ‘Our day to day life is now highly influenced by the technology. And this particular workshop is going to contribute a big stake in the social and economic development of Bangladesh.
Ms. Rumkini Vemraju, the Programme Officer of CEMCA and Mr. Firoj Ahmed, Joint Director of BOU jointly supervise the workshop for the whole three days.
Dr. Rumkini in the inaugural ceremony said, ‘CEMCA is working closely with more than 30 Community Radio Station in India.’ She shared the experiences of India and stated to contribute in Bangladesh in relation to community radio.
As the special guests Mr. AHM Bazlur Rahman-S21BR, the Chief Executive Officer of BNNRC and Mr. Dr. Ananya Raihan were present in the inaugural session. They expected in their speeches that CEMCA and BOU will contribute endlessly in emergence of Community Radio in Bangladesh.Higher officials from the Media Centre and the Regional Directors of BOU as well as the Higher officials of the NGOs that are working in the remote and coastal areas of Bangladesh have participated in the workshop. The participants from the commercial phone companies who have established the internet outlets in the rural areas in Bangladesh have also joined. In the workshop the technical aspects and content making, studio designing and maintaining, radio station management and broadcasting everything is taught with tremendous care and practical demonstration.
Mr. Amit Chakrabarty, the former high official of the very popular Bangla TV Channel of India ‘Tara Bangla’ and Programme Director of World Space Radio, Mr. Monoranjan Das, the advisor of Radio TOday and the former Additional Chief Engineer of Bangldesh Betar and the consultant of ABC Radio Mr. Jamal Uddin Mawla Newaj have facilitated in the workshop. The perspective and Social aspects of the Community Radio is demonstrated by Mr. AHM Bazlur Rahman-S21BR, the CEO of BNNRC.At the end of the three-day workshop the certificates have been distributed among the participants in the gala closing ceremony. Honourable Vice Chancellor and the Treasurer of Bangladesh Open University were present among others in the closing ceremony. Mr. Vice Chancellor said in his closing speech that BOU would support in the skill development of the station managers of forthcoming Community Radio in Bangladesh in future.
The workshop expected that the government of Bangladesh would soon open up the pilot basis Community Radio. As the direct result of the workshop the participants are now prepared to run more than 50 CR stations no sooner have the government approve it.
Dhaka Roundtable on Ensuring Sustainable Growth of Community Radio in Bangladesh: Removing barriers, Increasing Effectiveness
Community radio broadcasters are indeed artisans or craftspeople, creating images with sounds, not designing media to a formula driven by marketing calculation or propagandistic intent, but drawing on a passion for the medium and a belief that community broadcasting can make a difference to people's lives and livelihoods, Speakers said it at a daylong roundtable on “Ensuring Sustainable Growth of Community Radio in Bangladesh: Removing barriers, Increasing Effectiveness” held at LGED Conference Room in Dhaka on Wednesday.
They said, in almost all cases we find a close correlation between the emergence of community radio and political change towards greater democracy. Not only in Africa, but in Asia, we find similar patterns.
World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC) Asia Pacific, in collaboration with Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio & Communication (BNNRC) and Mass-line Media Centre (MMC) organized the roundtable with the support of UNESCO-Bangladesh and KATALYST.
They also said, Community Radio in Bangladesh shall be a step forward to achieve the Millennium Development Goals through successful implementation of the PRS (Poverty Reduction Strategy) and annual development plans of the Government. It will take us ahead to bridge the information gap existing between the rural info-poor and info-rich people in Bangladesh and towards developing a knowledge-based information society
from grassroots to national level and from national to grassroots level.
Chaired by Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury, Ex Advisor of the Caretaker Government, the inaugural session of the roundtable was attended by Dr. Malama Meleisea, Director and Representative, of UNESCO in Bangladesh, K.A.M. Morshed, Assistant Country Director, UNDP, Christine Jaulmes, Chief of Communication and Information Section of UNICEF Bangladesh, Steve Buckley, President AMARC International, Ashish Sen, President, AMARC Asia and Pacific, Prof. M Monjur-E-Khoda Tarafdar, Registrar, Bangladesh Open University, as special guests.
In the inaugural session Mr A H M Bazlur Rahman, CEO of BNNRC presented welcome speech and inaugurated the roundtable. In the inaugural session, Steve Buckley, President of World Association of Community Radio broadcasters (AMARC) International presented key note paper on ‘Global overview of community radio sector’ and Kamrul Hasan Monju, Executive Director, Mass-line Media Centre (MMC) presented paper on ‘Review of the Community Radio policy of Bangladesh: Opportunities
and challenges’.
In the first plenary session on “Community Radio for Facilitating Economic Development and Poverty Alleviation” Ashish Sen, President, AMARC Asia and Pacific and Executive Director of VOICES, India presented paper while Monjurul Ahsan Bulbul, Executive Editor, Daily Sangbad was in the chair.
Pranab Saha, Chief Reporter of the daily Prothom-Alo, Arifa Sharmin, Communication Officer of UNICEF, Syed Tamjid Ur Rahman, Chief Executive Officer, and Change Maker addressed the session as speaker.
Taleya Rehman, Executive Director of Democracy Watch presided over the second plenary Session. Dr. Kaberi Gain, Assistant Professor of Mass Communication and Journalism Department of Dhaka University presented paper on ‘Gender Equity and Women’s Rights in the context of Community Radio: Inclusivity in Community Broadcasting’. Tahmina Rahman, Country Director of Article 19 addressed the session as speaker. Steve Buckley, President AMARC International presented paper on Assessing Impact of Community Radio in the third session while Ashish Sen, President, AMARC Asia and Pacific and Executive Director of VOICES, India was in the chair. Shahidullah Lipon, Professor, Media studies of Daffodil University, S M Shameem Reza, Assistant Professor of Mass Communication and Journalism Department, University of Dhaka, and Executive Director of Dwip Unnayan Sangstha (DUS) Md. Rafiqul Alam addressed the session as speakers.
Raghu Mainali, Coordinator of Community Radio Support Centre, Nepal and Vice President of AMARC Asia-Pacific presented paper on ‘Business plan for sustainable growth of the Community Radio Sector’ in the fourth session while Suman Basnet, Regional Coordinator; AMARC Asia Pacific was in the chair.
Prof Shahab Enam Khan, Project Director, Bangladesh Enterprises Institute and A H M Sultanur Reza, Deputy General Manager, Fiber Optic Network, Grameen Phone addressed the session as speaker.
Dr. Malama Meleisea, Director of UNESCO in Bangladesh moderated the closing session on Setting of priorities for the next two years – a collaborative plan for development of CR in Bangladesh. Former Chairman of BTRC and Secretary Syed Margub Morshed, President of Centre for Development Research Bangladesh Dr. Mizanur Rahman Shaeely, Chairman of FNB Dr Md. Ibraheem and Human Rights Expert Akram Hossain Chowdhury addressed the session as panel discussants.
About one hundred representatives from Government, media, academia, NGOs, policy–makers, research organizations and private sectors of home and abroad took part in the roundtable.
Community Radio Services in Election Manifesto of Bangladesh Awami League NINTH PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS-2008: A Charter for Change
Awami League President Sheikh Hasina (12 December, 2008) unveiled her party's election manifesto titled Charter for Change. Community Radio services has already included in Charter for Change under the Freedom of mass media and information.
19.1 The freedom of all types of mass media and flow of information will be ensured. Initiatives will be taken for community radio services, besides national radio network.
Community Radio: Voices of the Rural People-Putting Community Radio First for Digital Bangladesh
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) is promoting the advocacy with the government in relations to community radio with other organizations since its emergence. The objective of BNNRC’s Community Radio intervention is to address crucial social issues at community level, such as poverty and social exclusion, empower marginalized rural groups and catalyze democratic processes and ongoing development efforts.
Community Radio is going to make an important place in development field in Bangladesh. Ministry of Information formulated Community Radio Installation, Broadcasting and Operation Policy 2008. Having prepared a complete pro-people policy for the first time in Bangladesh and 2nd policy in South Asia, the People’s Republic of Bangladesh has already been widely appreciated by local, national and international bodies.
Under this circumstance, BNNRC has taken initiative of publishing a Community Radio Handbook for Good Governance and Development to meet the basic needs and demands of the community radio initiators, regulators, managers, community leaders and community broadcasters in respect to setting up and operating the community radio stations successfully in Bangladesh.
In the meantime, Community Radio Academy has been established by Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) with a view to building up capacity on community radio operation of the initiators. Under the initiatives of the academy training workshops, round table, seminar etc are being organized incessantly.
This handbook will be a good compilation of all necessary chapters and key aspects of community radio operation mechanism. With the help of this Community Radio Handbook, Community Radio stakeholders will have knowledge of technical and management skills, come to know about the function, management, procedure, prospect, sustainability, working environment, financial management, culture, socio-economic status, challenges and difficulties of running Community Radio and have all concerned resources and facilities available for their progress and success.
This Handbook will be helpful for long-term preservation and sharing as a guide with the concerned policy makers, donor agencies, Community Radio related regulators, technical and monitoring committee members, local, and central administration such as, Parliamentarian, Ministries, Civil Society, Upa zila Chairman, Deputy Commissioners (DC), Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNO), officials of the local intelligence wings and law enforcing agencies, local government and people working in this field for nation building process at different level.
Community Radio Handbook @ the speaker of Bangladesh Parliament
Speaker of Bangladesh Parliament, Advocate Abdul Hamid, was formally given a Community Radio Handbook on Good Governance and Development on 6 April 2009 on behalf of Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC). This Community Radio Handbook on Good Governance and Development supported by DFID- Bangladesh.
At the time of handing over the handbook, the Chief Executive Officer of Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC), AHM Bazlur Rahman briefed the honorable speaker concerning the latest process of Community Radio approval in Bangladesh. He was requested to start an FM Radio Channel named Bangladesh Parliament FM Radio with the endeavor of parliament in order to establish a direct communication in the midst of parliament and common mass and enhance awareness amongst people regarding parliament. The speaker listened to the Community Radio issue with rapt attention and thanked the organizers for publishing the handbook. Community Radio Movement Adviser, Dr. Akram Hossain Chowdhury MP, was also present at that moment.
Two Days Hands on Demonstration about Community Radio in Bangladesh
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) celebrated World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2009. A two-day national program was held on this grand occasion in Chittagong, Bangladesh on 17th May, Sunday, 2009.
World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) is celebrated annually on 17 May since 1969 to raise the awareness of the people regarding various aspect of ICT. The event was celebrated in Chittagong this year.
The theme of this year was “Protecting Children in Cyberspace”. To popularize the concept in building awareness and to ensure youth participation, Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) chalked out an elaborate program for two days (17 - 18 May ‘09).Keeping “Digital Bangladesh” and “Vision 2021″ in view, the observance of WTISD-09 comprised of an ICT based exhibition, Seminar, ICT classes and various online/offline competition at IEB, Chittagong. The purpose of this event was to encourage the citizen of Bangladesh for contributing in building ICT based nation. The idea was to connect the unconnected and to bridge the gap between lighted and unlighted in the field of ICT related knowledge.
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) chose Chittagong, the Commercial Capital of the country, to host the first-time national level observance of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2009.
Demonstration of a full-functional Community Radio Station took place at the program venue, Engineers Institution Bangladesh, Chittagong center on the eve of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2009 during the two days program.
The regulatory body for telecom affairs in Bangladesh, Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), entrusted Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) to demonstrate a Community Radio station during the program. It can be worthy to mention here that this demonstration of Community Radio Station is the first of its kind in Bangladesh.Participants of all walks of the society, particularly honorable ministers, members of the parliament, elected representatives of various tier of local government system, academia and students, civil society members, print and electronic media, corporate sector representatives as well as common people came across the basic features of Community Radio Operation through this program.
It is also important to point out here that the present ruling party, Bangladesh Awami League, in its election manifesto 2008 (A Charter for Change, point 19.1) confirmed the policy and programs of establishment, broadcasting and operation of Community Radio Stations in Bangladesh. The process of scrutinizing and verification of the applications received by the Ministry of Information is now going on in the Ministry of Home affairs.
Training workshop on Community Radio: Operation, Management and Sustainable Planning
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) organized training workshop on Community Radio: Operation, Management and Sustainable Planning supported by Free Voice. The workshop was organized from 14-16 June, 2009 in Dhaka.
The objective of the workshop is to clarify the Community Radio concept and its strategies of operation, different aspects of CR management and sustainable planning.
Thirty high officials from twenty eight applied organizations attended the workshop. Mr. Sohel Aurongojeb, the consultant of Community Radio Academy, facilitated in the workshop. The issues discussed in the sessions of workshop are: What CR is and why it is essential; the present position of CR in perspective of Bangladesh; CR by laws; Structure of CR Management Committee; CR Station Structure (Administrative); Job Description Manual-HRD, Gender; Finance (with content list); Regulatory Affairs (license fee, license renewal, reporting etc.); Programs to be Broadcast/ not to be Broadcast (on the basis of government policy); Information, Education, Entertainment, Development Motivation ; Daily and Weekly Cue Sheet; Costing Plan for Programs; Volunteer Management; Program Resource Management (Human Resource, Financial Resource etc.) and feedback from audiences; Management Planning; Financial Planning; and Strategic Planning.
The organizations which participated in the workshop are:
Speed Trust, Barisal
Bangladesh Scouts, NHQ, Gazipur Dhaka
BRAC
BCDJC
Krishi and Samajik Unnayan Songstha, Mymenshing
TMSS, Bogra
South Asia Partnership- Bangladesh (SAP- Bangladesh)
Young Power in Social Action (YPSA), Chittagong
CDA, Dinajpur
D.Net, Dhaka
COAST Trust, Bhola
Come to Work, Dinajpur
Pirojpur Gono Unnayan Society, Perojpur
LDRO, Bogura
Srijoni Bangladesh,
POPI,
CCD Bangladesh, Rajshahi
Sankalpa Trust, Barguna
Proyas Manobik Unnayan Society,
MMC,
Gono Unnayan Kendro, Gaibandha
Kiraro No Ki, Kurigram
RDRS,
Dwip Unnayan Songstha, Noakhali
Jugantor Somaj Unnayan Songstha, Chittagong
Samadhan, Sylhet
NHRDA, Noagaon
Nolta Hospital and Community Health Foundation, Satkhira.
MR. Shamim Ahsan, the Communication Officer of UNESCO, was also present in the closing session.
For more information:
AHM Bazlur Rahman-S21BR
Chief Executive Officer
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication
&Member, Strategy Council
United Nations -Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UN GAID)
House: 13/1 Road:2 Shamoli Dhaka 1207
Phone: 9138501, 9130750
www.bnnrc.net
Community Radio in Bangladesh: At the Door of Reality
Community Radio (CR) movement has started in 1998 in Bangladesh. Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) along with other like-minded organizations and also representatives of the civil society started movement for CR operation.
In 2006, BNNRC in collaboration with other NGOs organized a Three-Day long Round Table on Community Radio as the National Advocacy Meeting. UNESCO, UNICEF and UNDP joined in the advocacy activities for the first time.
After Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed, the Honourable Chief Adviser of the Non-Party Caretaker Government of People’s Republic of Bangladesh, has taken the charge BNNRC organized a Letter Campaign regarding community radio. The objective of the campaign was to open up the community radio as a pilot basis. As the outcome of the campaign Office of the Chief Adviser sent an advice to the Ministry of Information in order to release permission for the pilot basis community radio.
For the first time in the history a high authority meeting is held at the conference room of the Information Ministry regarding community radio on the 23 July in 2007 chaired by the Information Secretary and organized by the Ministry of Information. After a comprehensive discussion regarding community radio as a pilot basis the meeting takes decision to form a ministerial committee of 8 members convened by the Director General of Bangladesh Betar who would make concept paper, regulatory framework and application form in relation to community radio and would submit to the Ministry by one month. According to the discussion the Ministry issues the circular regarding the 8 members-committee on 22nd May in 2007.
After several meetings the Director General of Bangladesh Betar finalized the draft of the concept paper, policy and application regarding community radio. BNNRC and MMC assisted the committee in this regard as member.
The Ministerial Committee officially presents the concept paper, policy and application regarding community radio in a meeting organized by the Ministry on 29th October in 2007. After a comprehensive discussion on the issue the meeting decides the submitted concept paper, policy and application forms to be sent to the different concerned ministries for comments and perusal. It is also decided in the meeting that another meeting would be held after the comments are received. According to the decision all the papers are already sent to the listed ministries for comments on 25th November in 2007.
An inter-ministerial meeting is held on the last 6th February. Representatives of the concerned ministries were present in the meeting. At last, the government formally announces the Community Radio Installation, Broadcast and Operation Policy 2008 on 12 March 2008. The Ministry of Information of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh invited very rapidly the applications for Community Radio installation, broadcast and operation from the interested organizations.
Role of BNNRC and Intervention
In order to facilitate the application and registration process of the organizations for Community Radio, BNNRC immediately opened a help desk in its secretariat in Dhaka. Receiving huge response from the interested development organizations and research institutions the authority extended the deadline up to 30 April. 450 organizations drew application forms from the Ministry and 178 applications have been submitted from different organizations in this regard.
In the whole process the Government ensured the proper participation and representation from civil society organizations through incorporating representatives in Regulatory Committee, Technical Committee and National Monitoring Committee for the successful operation of the Community Radio.
Under the above-mentioned circumstances, BNNRC set up a Community Radio Academy in Dhaka. This helps Community Radio stakeholders having on-hand training of technical and management skills, coming to know about the function, management, procedure, problem, prospect and sustainability of the Community Radio as a tool of ICT and having all concerned resources and facilities available for their progress and success.
Around the world and also south Asia community radio plays a vital role in overcoming political apathy by providing people with access to information about their local and national leaders. Empowered with this information, citizens can start to fight endemic corruption, developing methods to hold government officials accountable for their actions.
In this way, radio not only informs people about government failure, but it also provides the vehicle though which to work for positive political change. Because radio is a personal medium that speaks a local language, it also presents information about health problems and other community issues. For example, radio has proven an effective tool for teaching local populations about HIV/AIDS and combating the powerful social stigmas associated with this disease. Effective community radio programming helps to stimulate community discussion about attitudes and beliefs, and promotes behavior change.
Bangladesh has gone a long way towards creating an enabling environment for launching Community Radio. The Government has opened frequency for FM stations and satellite channels. It has also drafted the Bangladesh Broadcasting Act in 2003 with the aim of addressing social and economic issues.
It is a vital moment when Community Radio is going to make an important place in the communication field in the country. The last non-political Care Taker Government formulated Community Radio Installation, Broadcast and Operation Policy – 2008 on 12 March this year and gave an advertisement on 18 March in the newspaper asking applications from interested initiators to install Community Radio in the country.
Strength of the Policy
The present Government certainly deserves appreciation for approving a separate and exclusive Community Radio Installation, Broadcast and Operation Policy – 2008, which will accelerate democratic process and development of the unheard and marginalized people. Moreover, broadcasting local development news and advertisements related to development services along with other infotainment programmes is permitted through community radio. The acceptance of the internationally recognized and accepted fundamental principles of community radio in Bangladesh is positively observed. The most significant aspect of the policy is that all community radio stations will be owned and run by the proper representatives of the concerned community as an advisory committee and another management committee are mandatory with the real participation of the community people.
Policy Constraint
Considering the perspective of the non-profit development organizations working in rural and grass root level, the amount of the seize-able deposit worth BDT 1, 00,000 seems to be a huge burden to them. If not free, the deposit could be reduced remarkably so that the rural development organizations could come ahead to install CRS pacing with time. Alternately, the licensing authority can ask a bank guarantee of a certain amount of money as seize-able deposit preserved in the account of the intended applicant organization. There is another involvement of a large amount of money for frequency fee to be paid to BTRC. Considering all these practical difficulties, the broadcasting equipments to be imported could be exempted from tax at least for the two years of piloting period. It will promote and facilitate the expedition of community radio in the country.
National Help Desk
In order to facilitate the application and registration process of the organizations for Community Radio, Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) immediately opened a national help desk in its secretariat in Dhaka. As a result, BNNRC received huge response from the interested development organizations for technical support in this regard. 400 organizations drew application forms from the Ministry of Information and 180 applications have been submitted from different organizations in this regard.
In the whole process the Government ensured the proper participation and representation from civil society organizations through incorporating representatives in Regulatory Committee, Technical Committee and National Monitoring Committee for the successful operation of the Community Radio. In the category of expert representative, Government by the Presidential order nominated AHM Bazlur Rahman-S21BR, Chief Executive Officer of Bangladesh NGOs' Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) as a member of the central monitoring committee headed by Director General of Bangladesh Betar (Radio).
Community Radio Academy
Under the above-mentioned circumstances, BNNRC set up a Community Radio Academy in Dhaka. This will help Community Radio stakeholders having on-hand training of technical and management skills, coming to know about the function, management, procedure, problem, prospect and sustainability of the Community Radio as a tool of ICT and having all concerned resources and facilities available for their progress and success.
So that NGOs/CBOs and communities can prepare themselves for the ensuing challenges in operating Community Radio effectively by accommodating the use of limited resources to reach mass people including rural and disadvantage people. Moreover this academy will help academia, researchers, government officials, media activists, community leaders and policy makers to understand and work closely for the promotion and positive role of community radio for the advancement of Bangladesh in various development sectors.
Objectives of the Academy:
BNNRC has set up Community Radio Academy as one of its social enterprise to promote Community Radio installation, broadcasting and operation around the country. Its other objectives are
- To Promote the Effective use of Community Radio for Development;
- Take all measures for essential improvement of community radio broadcasting; Foster exchange between community radio broadcasters using communications to develop greater understanding in support of peace, tolerance, democracy and development.
- To organize seminars, workshops and other motivational program associated with community broadcasting; establish contact with other similar national and international organizations for promoting mutual benefit and understanding;
- To advocate for the higher-level, strategic policy linkages between community media support and existing human and economic development instruments and frameworks (eg, Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS); Millennium Development Goals (MDG) ), UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, Convention on the Rights of the Child(CRC) and World Summit on the Information Society Action plan (WSIS).
- To offer an extensive web-based platform of resources/ contents for community broadcasting professionals, Advise the Government and Policy makers on any matter relating to community radio and development; assist in the setting up of community radio with technical and professional expertise and as well as in securing funds;
- To strengthen networking among community radio stations, community radio promoters and independent community radio producers, and to facilitate exchange of radio programmes among them; assist communities in establishing community radio in different geographical areas keeping in mind the linguistic, cultural, ethnic and social diversity;
- To strengthen capabilities of established community radio stations with professional and technical assistance; organize periodic trainings for community radio producers and technicians; identify appropriate places, from technical and resources points of view, for encouraging establishment of radio stations;
- To disseminate research on the role of the community media in economic growth democratization and institutional reform process
- To produce manuals and reference materials in community radio, undertake community radio audience research/studies; active in lobbying and advocacy in order to mould public opinion in favor of making Community Radio Trust Fund that are conducive to the growth and expansion of community radio;
- To establish and promote contacts with like-minded international organizations for world solidarity in favor of promotion of community radio broadcasting.
BNNRC has already established Community Radio Academy (CRA) in its national secretariat in Dhaka. All the activities are implementing under three unites namely Research and Development, Capacity Building and Technical Cooperation of the academy. The academy will take necessary steps for arranging the following training courses, workshops and research works effectively
a) Research and Development:
Research and development activities on challenges and prospects of Community Radio operation in Bangladesh including baseline survey, policy advocacy, evaluation and monitoring, feedback, listeners’ survey, publishing newsletter, publishing Community Radio handbook, library and archive, Community Radio based web portal and case studies on success and failure of Community Radio will be accomplished.
b) Capacity Building:
8 basic and 8 advanced training courses will be arranged for about 240 Community Radio staff working across the country. 12 advocacy workshops, each in every month, will be arranged in center point in regional level with policy makers and stakeholders. An annual Community Radio conference of the stakeholders of all community radio stations located at different regions in Bangladesh will be arranged in Dhaka. Moreover, experience sharing, exposure trip, radio producing contents of program, news and talk show, capacity building training on program production, editing and presentation, support to budgeting and planning, broadcast management and schedule scripting will be arranged.
c) Technical Cooperation:
Technical support for studio set up, maintenance and broadcasting, schedule exchange, exchange visit, helps desk, trouble-shooting, national and international communication. Publishing four Reports
National Baseline Survey and Directory on Community Radio Initiators in Bangladesh
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) is going to conduct a national baseline survey on Community Radio in the country. Moreover, a directory of the community radio initiators in Bangladesh will be published soon from Community Radio Academy.
But, no survey or study was conducted in Bangladesh to identify the community choice, needs and demands about the language earlier, contents, broadcasting hour or types of programs to be used for community radio. In this situation, the aspirants and initiators of the community radio stations are actually in a total darkness about these immensely needed issues regarding community radio operation.
That is why BNNRC will conduct a national baseline survey of the community information needs, preparedness, acceptance and community choice through representational response, questionnaire, focus group discussion and taking interview in ten proposed areas priority areas for community radio set up selected from six divisions in the country. The survey report will be published and disseminated among the key stakeholders of community radio through arranging a national seminar in Dhaka.
Moreover, to strengthen a network and knowledge sharing among the community radio initiators, a directory of the community radio initiators in Bangladesh will be published incorporating mailing address, contact numbers, e-mail and web address. This directory will be disseminated among the community radio stakeholders including community radio staff, Government and non-government institutions, academician, donor agencies and policy makers.
Training Workshop on Community Radio: How to Get Started and Keep Going
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) along with other likeminded organizations has been conducting advocacy with the Government for community radio in Bangladesh since its inception. As a consequence, the Ministry of Information recently formulated Community Radio Installation, Broadcasting and Operation Policy 2008. Primarily 116 organizations were identified as eligible of policy approval for community radio. As a consequence, investigation by four Government intelligence wings is working in the field level to find out required integrity, quality and legal status of the CR initiators.
In this backdrop, with main focus on the role of community radio in developing life and livelihood of the rural communities, Community Radio Installation, Broadcast and Operation Policy – 2008 and technical operation of Community Radio and strategy of work-plan for sustainable operation of community radio, Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) organized a daylong training workshop on Community Radio: How to Get Started and Keep Going in Bangladesh at IDB Auditorium in Dhaka on Wednesday, 27 August, 2008.
A total of 136 representatives from 98 community radio initiators including non-government development and research organizations took part in the workshop.
First and Second Sessions: Key Concept and Guideline of Community Radio and Community Radio Policy in Bangladesh and statutory Requirements to Operate the Community Radio
Chief Executive Officer of BNNRC AHM Bazlur Rahman presented welcome address and presented key concepts of community radio operation and CR policy 2008 in the workshop. In his presentation, he said, it is high time the community radio initiators could design a business plan and work plan for a full-fledged community radio studio and station in the respective community location. So, every initiator should have a clear concept of the policy level and technical level expertise regarding setting up a community radio.
In this regard, Mr Rahman presented a pictorial discussion on four types of broadcasting systems, special features, preparation works, and framework and community involvement in a community radio station. During the question-answer session, CR initiators demanded reducing the importing tax from the community radio equipments and minimum charge for BTRC frequency allotment for community radio, as it is the starting period of CR operation in Bangladesh.
Session 3: Community Radio Technology
Technical Expert of Community Radio Academy Sohel Awrangzeb presented a paper on technical aspect including studio set up, equipments, production and broadcasting techniques and budget for a community radio station. In his presentation, Mr Awrangzeb gave a pictorial description of pre and post readiness of the studio, transmission, in-door and outdoor broadcasting, recording, editing and program production system of a community radio station. Through question-answer session, participants came to know the technical aspects in details regarding commencement of community radio operation.
Session 4: Gender Relations and Development in Community Radio Operation
At the fourth working session, Consultant of BNNRC A H M Abdul Hai presented a paper on Gender Relations and Development in Community Radio Operation while Researcher of Institute of Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) Ms. Shaila Simi was in the chair. A proposed gender policy in community radio mentioning women's access to the airwaves, women's representation on air, special needs of minority women, women's representation at all levels of station management, use of appropriate technology and funding and capacity building for women's radio complying with the gender policy for CRS by AMARC-WIN AP was presented at the workshop.
The respondents called for greater access to leadership, management, finances and the whole cycle of CR set-up. They also recommended changes in the program contents and participation in the various stages of production. Among the recommendations of the policy include training for women; use of free and open source software, a quota of at least 30 per cent for women's leadership and representation; and special radio programs for women. The policy also suggested more practical measures such as space allotment for child-care; flexible working hours; women-friendly equipment set-up and broadcast schedules; adequate lighting and security at the station; and transportation arrangements for women who live in remote areas.
Session 5: Plenary Session
At the plenary session, participants expressed their valued suggestions regarding way forward to enhance their capacity and skills in program production, broadcasting, technical set-up and operation of community radio stations. In this respect, NGO leaders stressed on the regular training and capacity building workshops for the community radio human resources from Community Radio Academy.
They also gave much emphasis on the active role of National Institute of Mass Communication (NIMC) in arranging training courses on community radio operation. They hailed BNNRC initiative of opening national help desk in its secretariat for all out information and technical support to the community radio initiators and establishment of Community Radio Academy.
From this academy training courses, technical support and research and development support round the year are highly expected by the community radio stakeholders. Moreover, conducting a national baseline survey on CR, producing a national geographical map marking the CR locations, developing training curriculum, handbook and arranging annual conference have been planned under the activities of CRA.
In the workshop, development organizations declared their commitment of distributing a large number of free radio sets among their stakeholders to ease the community radio listening for the poor community people.
Community Radio to give voice to the voiceless people
The community radio network could give the marginalized people of the country access to information and thus play immense role in the development of particular communities, speakers at a daylong international seminar said on Sunday. They said, the prospect of the Community Radio is that it could give voice to the voiceless people, but the rules and procedures of the licensing system should have provisions to ensure that the ownership of the information really remain within the community.
Asian Media Information and Communication Centre (AMIC), Bangladesh NGO’s Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC and United News of Bangladesh (UNB) jointly arranged the seminar with the theme “Peoples Voices, Peoples Participation and Community Radio” at the conference room of UNB.
Information Secretary Jamil Osman as Chief Guest inaugurated the seminar while former Chairman of Bangladesh Telecommunication and Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and former Secretary of the Government Syed Margub Morshed was in the chair. Country Director and Representative of UNESCO in Bangladesh Dr Malama Meleisea and Assistant Country Director of UNDP in Bangladesh K A M Morshed addressed the inaugural session as Special Guests.
Among others, Secretary General of AMIC Dr Indrajit Banerjee, Professor of International Institute of Communication, UK Dr Andrew Taussig, Director General of Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB) Mohammad Nazrul Islam and Chairman of UNB Amanullah Khan addressed the session. AMIC Head of Research Dr Kalinga Seneviratne presented the keynote paper of the session titled “Overview of Community Radio across Asia: Opportunities and Challenges”.
National Workshop on Community Radio in Bangladesh: Community Radio is going to be the Voice of Rural people
For the first time in Bangladesh a national workshop on Community Radio Awareness is held on 02-04 March 2008 at Bangladesh Open University (BOU) campus jointly arranged by Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) and Development Research Network (D.Net) in collaboration with Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (CEMCA) of Commonwealth of Learning (COL) and Bangladesh Open University (BOU). The workshop took place at the Media Centre in Bangladesh Open University at Gazipur, Dhaka.
The workshop is inaugurated by the Hon'ble Vice Chancellor of Bangladesh Open University Professor Dr. M Farid Ahmed. He said during the inauguration, ‘Our day to day life is now highly influenced by the technology. And this particular workshop is going to contribute a big stake in the social and economic development of Bangladesh.
Ms. Rumkini Vemraju, the Programme Officer of CEMCA and Mr. Firoj Ahmed, Joint Director of BOU jointly supervise the workshop for the whole three days.
Dr. Rumkini in the inaugural ceremony said, ‘CEMCA is working closely with more than 30 Community Radio Station in India.’ She shared the experiences of India and stated to contribute in Bangladesh in relation to community radio.
As the special guests Mr. AHM Bazlur Rahman-S21BR, the Chief Executive Officer of BNNRC and Mr. Dr. Ananya Raihan were present in the inaugural session. They expected in their speeches that CEMCA and BOU will contribute endlessly in emergence of Community Radio in Bangladesh.Higher officials from the Media Centre and the Regional Directors of BOU as well as the Higher officials of the NGOs that are working in the remote and coastal areas of Bangladesh have participated in the workshop. The participants from the commercial phone companies who have established the internet outlets in the rural areas in Bangladesh have also joined. In the workshop the technical aspects and content making, studio designing and maintaining, radio station management and broadcasting everything is taught with tremendous care and practical demonstration.
Mr. Amit Chakrabarty, the former high official of the very popular Bangla TV Channel of India ‘Tara Bangla’ and Programme Director of World Space Radio, Mr. Monoranjan Das, the advisor of Radio TOday and the former Additional Chief Engineer of Bangldesh Betar and the consultant of ABC Radio Mr. Jamal Uddin Mawla Newaj have facilitated in the workshop. The perspective and Social aspects of the Community Radio is demonstrated by Mr. AHM Bazlur Rahman-S21BR, the CEO of BNNRC.At the end of the three-day workshop the certificates have been distributed among the participants in the gala closing ceremony. Honourable Vice Chancellor and the Treasurer of Bangladesh Open University were present among others in the closing ceremony. Mr. Vice Chancellor said in his closing speech that BOU would support in the skill development of the station managers of forthcoming Community Radio in Bangladesh in future.
The workshop expected that the government of Bangladesh would soon open up the pilot basis Community Radio. As the direct result of the workshop the participants are now prepared to run more than 50 CR stations no sooner have the government approve it.
Dhaka Roundtable on Ensuring Sustainable Growth of Community Radio in Bangladesh: Removing barriers, Increasing Effectiveness
Community radio broadcasters are indeed artisans or craftspeople, creating images with sounds, not designing media to a formula driven by marketing calculation or propagandistic intent, but drawing on a passion for the medium and a belief that community broadcasting can make a difference to people's lives and livelihoods, Speakers said it at a daylong roundtable on “Ensuring Sustainable Growth of Community Radio in Bangladesh: Removing barriers, Increasing Effectiveness” held at LGED Conference Room in Dhaka on Wednesday.
They said, in almost all cases we find a close correlation between the emergence of community radio and political change towards greater democracy. Not only in Africa, but in Asia, we find similar patterns.
World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC) Asia Pacific, in collaboration with Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio & Communication (BNNRC) and Mass-line Media Centre (MMC) organized the roundtable with the support of UNESCO-Bangladesh and KATALYST.
They also said, Community Radio in Bangladesh shall be a step forward to achieve the Millennium Development Goals through successful implementation of the PRS (Poverty Reduction Strategy) and annual development plans of the Government. It will take us ahead to bridge the information gap existing between the rural info-poor and info-rich people in Bangladesh and towards developing a knowledge-based information society
from grassroots to national level and from national to grassroots level.
Chaired by Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury, Ex Advisor of the Caretaker Government, the inaugural session of the roundtable was attended by Dr. Malama Meleisea, Director and Representative, of UNESCO in Bangladesh, K.A.M. Morshed, Assistant Country Director, UNDP, Christine Jaulmes, Chief of Communication and Information Section of UNICEF Bangladesh, Steve Buckley, President AMARC International, Ashish Sen, President, AMARC Asia and Pacific, Prof. M Monjur-E-Khoda Tarafdar, Registrar, Bangladesh Open University, as special guests.
In the inaugural session Mr A H M Bazlur Rahman, CEO of BNNRC presented welcome speech and inaugurated the roundtable. In the inaugural session, Steve Buckley, President of World Association of Community Radio broadcasters (AMARC) International presented key note paper on ‘Global overview of community radio sector’ and Kamrul Hasan Monju, Executive Director, Mass-line Media Centre (MMC) presented paper on ‘Review of the Community Radio policy of Bangladesh: Opportunities
and challenges’.
In the first plenary session on “Community Radio for Facilitating Economic Development and Poverty Alleviation” Ashish Sen, President, AMARC Asia and Pacific and Executive Director of VOICES, India presented paper while Monjurul Ahsan Bulbul, Executive Editor, Daily Sangbad was in the chair.
Pranab Saha, Chief Reporter of the daily Prothom-Alo, Arifa Sharmin, Communication Officer of UNICEF, Syed Tamjid Ur Rahman, Chief Executive Officer, and Change Maker addressed the session as speaker.
Taleya Rehman, Executive Director of Democracy Watch presided over the second plenary Session. Dr. Kaberi Gain, Assistant Professor of Mass Communication and Journalism Department of Dhaka University presented paper on ‘Gender Equity and Women’s Rights in the context of Community Radio: Inclusivity in Community Broadcasting’. Tahmina Rahman, Country Director of Article 19 addressed the session as speaker. Steve Buckley, President AMARC International presented paper on Assessing Impact of Community Radio in the third session while Ashish Sen, President, AMARC Asia and Pacific and Executive Director of VOICES, India was in the chair. Shahidullah Lipon, Professor, Media studies of Daffodil University, S M Shameem Reza, Assistant Professor of Mass Communication and Journalism Department, University of Dhaka, and Executive Director of Dwip Unnayan Sangstha (DUS) Md. Rafiqul Alam addressed the session as speakers.
Raghu Mainali, Coordinator of Community Radio Support Centre, Nepal and Vice President of AMARC Asia-Pacific presented paper on ‘Business plan for sustainable growth of the Community Radio Sector’ in the fourth session while Suman Basnet, Regional Coordinator; AMARC Asia Pacific was in the chair.
Prof Shahab Enam Khan, Project Director, Bangladesh Enterprises Institute and A H M Sultanur Reza, Deputy General Manager, Fiber Optic Network, Grameen Phone addressed the session as speaker.
Dr. Malama Meleisea, Director of UNESCO in Bangladesh moderated the closing session on Setting of priorities for the next two years – a collaborative plan for development of CR in Bangladesh. Former Chairman of BTRC and Secretary Syed Margub Morshed, President of Centre for Development Research Bangladesh Dr. Mizanur Rahman Shaeely, Chairman of FNB Dr Md. Ibraheem and Human Rights Expert Akram Hossain Chowdhury addressed the session as panel discussants.
About one hundred representatives from Government, media, academia, NGOs, policy–makers, research organizations and private sectors of home and abroad took part in the roundtable.
Community Radio Services in Election Manifesto of Bangladesh Awami League NINTH PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS-2008: A Charter for Change
Awami League President Sheikh Hasina (12 December, 2008) unveiled her party's election manifesto titled Charter for Change. Community Radio services has already included in Charter for Change under the Freedom of mass media and information.
19.1 The freedom of all types of mass media and flow of information will be ensured. Initiatives will be taken for community radio services, besides national radio network.
Community Radio: Voices of the Rural People-Putting Community Radio First for Digital Bangladesh
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) is promoting the advocacy with the government in relations to community radio with other organizations since its emergence. The objective of BNNRC’s Community Radio intervention is to address crucial social issues at community level, such as poverty and social exclusion, empower marginalized rural groups and catalyze democratic processes and ongoing development efforts.
Community Radio is going to make an important place in development field in Bangladesh. Ministry of Information formulated Community Radio Installation, Broadcasting and Operation Policy 2008. Having prepared a complete pro-people policy for the first time in Bangladesh and 2nd policy in South Asia, the People’s Republic of Bangladesh has already been widely appreciated by local, national and international bodies.
Under this circumstance, BNNRC has taken initiative of publishing a Community Radio Handbook for Good Governance and Development to meet the basic needs and demands of the community radio initiators, regulators, managers, community leaders and community broadcasters in respect to setting up and operating the community radio stations successfully in Bangladesh.
In the meantime, Community Radio Academy has been established by Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) with a view to building up capacity on community radio operation of the initiators. Under the initiatives of the academy training workshops, round table, seminar etc are being organized incessantly.
This handbook will be a good compilation of all necessary chapters and key aspects of community radio operation mechanism. With the help of this Community Radio Handbook, Community Radio stakeholders will have knowledge of technical and management skills, come to know about the function, management, procedure, prospect, sustainability, working environment, financial management, culture, socio-economic status, challenges and difficulties of running Community Radio and have all concerned resources and facilities available for their progress and success.
This Handbook will be helpful for long-term preservation and sharing as a guide with the concerned policy makers, donor agencies, Community Radio related regulators, technical and monitoring committee members, local, and central administration such as, Parliamentarian, Ministries, Civil Society, Upa zila Chairman, Deputy Commissioners (DC), Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNO), officials of the local intelligence wings and law enforcing agencies, local government and people working in this field for nation building process at different level.
Community Radio Handbook @ the speaker of Bangladesh Parliament
Speaker of Bangladesh Parliament, Advocate Abdul Hamid, was formally given a Community Radio Handbook on Good Governance and Development on 6 April 2009 on behalf of Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC). This Community Radio Handbook on Good Governance and Development supported by DFID- Bangladesh.
At the time of handing over the handbook, the Chief Executive Officer of Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC), AHM Bazlur Rahman briefed the honorable speaker concerning the latest process of Community Radio approval in Bangladesh. He was requested to start an FM Radio Channel named Bangladesh Parliament FM Radio with the endeavor of parliament in order to establish a direct communication in the midst of parliament and common mass and enhance awareness amongst people regarding parliament. The speaker listened to the Community Radio issue with rapt attention and thanked the organizers for publishing the handbook. Community Radio Movement Adviser, Dr. Akram Hossain Chowdhury MP, was also present at that moment.
Two Days Hands on Demonstration about Community Radio in Bangladesh
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) celebrated World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2009. A two-day national program was held on this grand occasion in Chittagong, Bangladesh on 17th May, Sunday, 2009.
World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) is celebrated annually on 17 May since 1969 to raise the awareness of the people regarding various aspect of ICT. The event was celebrated in Chittagong this year.
The theme of this year was “Protecting Children in Cyberspace”. To popularize the concept in building awareness and to ensure youth participation, Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) chalked out an elaborate program for two days (17 - 18 May ‘09).Keeping “Digital Bangladesh” and “Vision 2021″ in view, the observance of WTISD-09 comprised of an ICT based exhibition, Seminar, ICT classes and various online/offline competition at IEB, Chittagong. The purpose of this event was to encourage the citizen of Bangladesh for contributing in building ICT based nation. The idea was to connect the unconnected and to bridge the gap between lighted and unlighted in the field of ICT related knowledge.
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) chose Chittagong, the Commercial Capital of the country, to host the first-time national level observance of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2009.
Demonstration of a full-functional Community Radio Station took place at the program venue, Engineers Institution Bangladesh, Chittagong center on the eve of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2009 during the two days program.
The regulatory body for telecom affairs in Bangladesh, Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), entrusted Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) to demonstrate a Community Radio station during the program. It can be worthy to mention here that this demonstration of Community Radio Station is the first of its kind in Bangladesh.Participants of all walks of the society, particularly honorable ministers, members of the parliament, elected representatives of various tier of local government system, academia and students, civil society members, print and electronic media, corporate sector representatives as well as common people came across the basic features of Community Radio Operation through this program.
It is also important to point out here that the present ruling party, Bangladesh Awami League, in its election manifesto 2008 (A Charter for Change, point 19.1) confirmed the policy and programs of establishment, broadcasting and operation of Community Radio Stations in Bangladesh. The process of scrutinizing and verification of the applications received by the Ministry of Information is now going on in the Ministry of Home affairs.
Training workshop on Community Radio: Operation, Management and Sustainable Planning
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) organized training workshop on Community Radio: Operation, Management and Sustainable Planning supported by Free Voice. The workshop was organized from 14-16 June, 2009 in Dhaka.
The objective of the workshop is to clarify the Community Radio concept and its strategies of operation, different aspects of CR management and sustainable planning.
Thirty high officials from twenty eight applied organizations attended the workshop. Mr. Sohel Aurongojeb, the consultant of Community Radio Academy, facilitated in the workshop. The issues discussed in the sessions of workshop are: What CR is and why it is essential; the present position of CR in perspective of Bangladesh; CR by laws; Structure of CR Management Committee; CR Station Structure (Administrative); Job Description Manual-HRD, Gender; Finance (with content list); Regulatory Affairs (license fee, license renewal, reporting etc.); Programs to be Broadcast/ not to be Broadcast (on the basis of government policy); Information, Education, Entertainment, Development Motivation ; Daily and Weekly Cue Sheet; Costing Plan for Programs; Volunteer Management; Program Resource Management (Human Resource, Financial Resource etc.) and feedback from audiences; Management Planning; Financial Planning; and Strategic Planning.
The organizations which participated in the workshop are:
Speed Trust, Barisal
Bangladesh Scouts, NHQ, Gazipur Dhaka
BRAC
BCDJC
Krishi and Samajik Unnayan Songstha, Mymenshing
TMSS, Bogra
South Asia Partnership- Bangladesh (SAP- Bangladesh)
Young Power in Social Action (YPSA), Chittagong
CDA, Dinajpur
D.Net, Dhaka
COAST Trust, Bhola
Come to Work, Dinajpur
Pirojpur Gono Unnayan Society, Perojpur
LDRO, Bogura
Srijoni Bangladesh,
POPI,
CCD Bangladesh, Rajshahi
Sankalpa Trust, Barguna
Proyas Manobik Unnayan Society,
MMC,
Gono Unnayan Kendro, Gaibandha
Kiraro No Ki, Kurigram
RDRS,
Dwip Unnayan Songstha, Noakhali
Jugantor Somaj Unnayan Songstha, Chittagong
Samadhan, Sylhet
NHRDA, Noagaon
Nolta Hospital and Community Health Foundation, Satkhira.
MR. Shamim Ahsan, the Communication Officer of UNESCO, was also present in the closing session.
For more information:
AHM Bazlur Rahman-S21BR
Chief Executive Officer
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication
&Member, Strategy Council
United Nations -Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UN GAID)
House: 13/1 Road:2 Shamoli Dhaka 1207
Phone: 9138501, 9130750
www.bnnrc.net
CV of AHM Bazlur Rahman-S21BR
Brief Curriculum Vitae of AHM Bazlur Rahmna
Name: AHM Bazlur Rahman
Father Name: Let Mozaffar Ahmed Pandit
Mother Name: Let Ayesa Khatune
Date of Birth: 01-01-1968
Present position and Address: Chief Executive Officer
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC)
House: 13/1 Road: 2, Shamoli, Dhaka 1207 Bangladesh.
Phone: +88-01711-881647, +88-02-9138501, 9130750
E-Mail: ceo@bnnrc.et www.bnnrc.net
Permanent Address:
Mozaffar Ahmed Pandit Bari
Village: Fulbagicha, Post: Fulbagicha
P/S: Lalmohan
District: Bhola 8330 Bangladesh
Previous organization & position:
1.District Correspondent of UNB, Daily Star, Daily Janata of Bhola District
(1985-1988)
2.Bangladesh Development Society(BDS), Barisal 8200, Bangladesh
Public Relations Officer 1988-1991
Program Officer – Training & Communication
1991-1996
3.ACTIONAID, Bangladesh
Coordinator –Policy Advocacy and Demand Mediation
1996-1998
4.Coastal Association for Social Transformation
(COAST) Trust
Head- Good Governance & Strategic Relations
1998-2002
5.Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC)
Chief Executive Officer
From 2002 -
Education: Masters of Social Science (MSS) in Government & Politics
Certificate course on Development Management
Field of Expertise:
15 years practical experiences and expertise in the following areas:
ICT for Development(ICT4D), E- Parliament, Development Communication, Community Broadcasting, Dev. Campaign Good Governance, Micro-Macro Level advocacy, Institution Building, Social Mobilization, Democracy Education, Life long education, Transformation Process of INGO to LNGO, Resource Mobilization, Communication for Development.
AHM Bazlur Rahman is the Chief Executive Officer of Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC). BNNRC is a national networking body working for building a democratic society based on the principles of free flow of information, equitable & affordable access to Information, Communication Technology (ICT) for remote & marginalized population.
BNNRC is registered with Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs as a Trust and NGO Affairs Bureau(NGO-AB) Office of the Prime Minister’s, Government of Bangladesh according to the foreign donation (Voluntary Activities) regulation ordinance 1978 as an organization on Information, Communication and Technology for Development (ICT4D).
Now I am a member - Strategy Council of
United Nations- Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UN-GAID)
The present core areas of his professional interests include Communication Rights, ICT4D, Community Broadcasting, IPR, Policy Advocacy, Participatory Training, Airwaves, Election Planning, Communication for Development, Good Governance, Community Broadcasting, Alternative Communication and Radio Communication.
Member of Bangladesh Working Group on World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) headed by Bangladesh Government
also acts as an Examiner in Marine Radio and Amateur Radio National Examination Committee of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC),
Member, Community Radio Monitoring Committee
Ministry of Information
In his personal life, he is married and has one son and one Daughter.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
An article of Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication on Community Radio Movement in Bangladesh
An article of
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) on Community Radio Movement in Bangladesh
- AHM Bazlur Rahman
Q. 01. What is the history or background of your community federation?
Ans.
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) has been promoting advocacy with the government along with other organizations in relation to community Radio since its emergence in 2000. The objective of BNNRC’s Community Radio intervention is to address crucial social issues at community level, such as poverty and social exclusion, empower marginalized rural groups and catalyze democratic processes and ongoing development efforts.
BNNRC's outreach extends to local, national and international forums on Community Radio.
We have been continuing advocacy with government for making a Community Radio policy. As a consequence of continuous advocacy, the government declared a policy in 2008. BNNRC has been working with government, CSO, corporate sector, and media sector since its inception to establish a strong community media sector.
Q. 02. What is the type and level of community participation in your federation?
Ans.
Networking Members in our network which is divided into three themes and every networking member has work at grass root level NGOs and CSOs. BNNRC is working at grassroots level through networking NGOs/CSOs:
Community Radio for Development (CR4D)
Advocacy and Campaign for Bridging the Digital Divide/Information Divide/Knowledge Divide through Community Radio - voices for the voiceless/ voices for the rural people.
Right To Information for Development (RTI4D)
Awareness on correlations of ICT, poverty alleviation and Institutionalization of Democracy and Right to Information (RTI)
Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D)
Piloting Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) projects at rural areas to create show case examples for greater multiplication through Rural Knowledge Center (RKC)/ Tele Centre,
Since the emergence, BNNRC has been working with more than 150 CSOs/NGOs and Government regarding the mentioned issues.
Q.03.What kind of legal structure and management framework does your federation have?
Ans.
BNNRC is a registered body with NGO Affairs Bureau and Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Government of Bangladesh as a network on radio for development. BNNRC has been established in 2000 as per Article 19 charter of Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
BNNRC has been undertaking pioneer approaches to integrate ICT for Development (ICT4D), related policy advocacy for good governance, People's Right in Country and Global Commons and Poverty Alleviation with community development work at the grassroots through its networking NGOs in Bangladesh.
Q.04. In the case of a federation- please explain its relationship with Community Radio stations, with the government and with civil society organizations?
Ans.
We maintain consultative relation with 116 Community Radio initiators. We also maintain horizontal and vertical communication with civil society. We maintain working relation with government especially with Ministry of Information.
As a result, BNNRC is now a member of Central Monitoring Committee of Community Radio, and earlier BNNRC was the member of Community Radio Policy Drafting Committee.
BNNRC maintains technical relation with Ministry of Information for the act of developing website, sorting out of application of the Community Radio stakeholders etc. Besides, BNNRC provides expert opinion to the ministry time to time regarding radio sectors.
BNNRC has already set up a Community Radio Academy and Community Radio National Help Desk in Dhaka. This helps Community Radio stakeholders having on-hand training of technical and management skills, coming to know about the function, management, procedure, problem, prospect and sustainability of the Community Radio as a tool of ICT and having all concerned resources and facilities available for their progress and success.
Q.05. What are the key challenges faced by your federation?
Ans.
Our federation faces some challenges like-
(a) Lack of long range funding commitment for advocacy on Radio for Development.
(b) Secretary of Ministry and High Official is changed frequently.
(c) Hazimony from corporate sectors regarding commercial radio.
(d) Lack of continuous Radio for Development Project.
Q. 06. What is the most important impact that the community federation has had in the community?
Ans.
The major impact areas are-
firstly, awareness has been raised at grass root and national level regarding Community Radio as a result of a sensitization campaign and media coverage and this is reflected in the large number of applications submitted by the Community Radio Initiators.
secondly, government has already prepared a Community Radio policy first time in Bangladesh and 2nd in of South Asia.
thirdly, awareness has been raised among political parties; for instance, in Awami League’s election manifesto 19.1, commitment has been made for Community Radio promotion.
finally, policy is on the way to open up Community Radio in Bangladesh.
Q.07. What are the specific objectives of your action plan, and how do you see your federation in five years time?
Ans.
Specific Objectives of our Action Plan:
(a) By 2015, Bangladesh will have 480 Community Radio stations at thana/ upazilla level.
(b) ‘Annual Congress for Community Radio Initiators’ will be organized every year.
(c) Start advocacy with government to create a Community Radio trust fund so that Community Radio trust fund can provide grants for Community Radio stations.
(d) Community Radio Academy is playing a significant role to build capacity of Community Radio initiators.
(e) Community Radio Forum will be established with providing membership of Community Radio initiators.
(f) Providing mobile training on Community Radio through mobile van at regional ground.
(g) A code of conduct will be prepared for people and a member directory will be published.
Federation will execute above works in collaboration with government, CSO, Media Sector and Corporate Sector.
Q. 08. How can AMARC best contribute to the development of Community Radio in your country and what type of intervention do you expect from AMARC?
Ans.
AMARC can create Community Radio equipment fund for Bangladeshi Community Radio initiators in collaboration with BNNRC.
AMARC can provide technical assistance in terms of training and knowledge sharing.
Q.09.What do you most hope to get from the regional conference and how would you implement it at your home federation?
Ans.
(a) We hope, beyond of this conference we will get a 4 year regional plan of AMARC-AP with an input from country level.
(b) We need a South Asian Conference and Southeast separately. We want AMARC –AP Newsletter in printed form rather than electronic form
(c) We want facilitation at ‘Country Level Advocacy Initiatives’. We will implement them at country level in collaboration with government, CSO, Corporate sectors and Media sectors.
For more information about our movement:
AHM. Bazlur Rahman-S21BR
Chief Executive Officer
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication(BNNRC)
&
Member, Strategy Council
UN-Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UN GAID)
House: 13/1, Road:2, Shaymoli, Dhaka-1207
Post Box: 5095, Dhaka 1205 Bangladesh
Phone: 88-02-9130750, 88-02-9138501
01711881647 Fax: 88-02-9138501-105
E-mail: ceo@bnnrc.net, bnnrc@bd.drik.net
www.bnnrc.net
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Community Radio: Voices of the Rural People-Putting Community Radio First for Digital Bangladesh
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) is promoting the advocacy with the government in relations to community radio with other organizations since its emergence. The objective of BNNRC’s Community Radio intervention is to address crucial social issues at community level, such as poverty and social exclusion, empower marginalized rural groups and catalyze democratic processes and ongoing development efforts.
Community Radio is going to make an important place in development field in Bangladesh. Ministry of Information formulated Community Radio Installation, Broadcasting and Operation Policy 2008. Having prepared a complete pro-people policy for the first time in Bangladesh and 2nd policy in South Asia, the People’s Republic of Bangladesh has already been widely appreciated by local, national and international bodies.
Under this circumstance, BNNRC has taken initiative of publishing a Community Radio Handbook for Good Governance and Development to meet the basic needs and demands of the community radio initiators, regulators, managers, community leaders and community broadcasters in respect to setting up and operating the community radio stations successfully in Bangladesh.
In the meantime, Community Radio Academy has been established by Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) with a view to building up capacity on community radio operation of the initiators. Under the initiatives of the academy training workshops, round table, seminar etc are being organized incessantly.
This handbook will be a good compilation of all necessary chapters and key aspects of community radio operation mechanism. With the help of this Community Radio Handbook, Community Radio stakeholders will have knowledge of technical and management skills, come to know about the function, management, procedure, prospect, sustainability, working environment, financial management, culture, socio-economic status, challenges and difficulties of running Community Radio and have all concerned resources and facilities available for their progress and success.
This Handbook will be helpful for long-term preservation and sharing as a guide with the concerned policy makers, donor agencies, Community Radio related regulators, technical and monitoring committee members, local, and central administration such as, Parliamentarian, Ministries, Civil Society, Upa zila Chairman, Deputy Commissioners (DC), Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNO), officials of the local intelligence wings and law enforcing agencies, local government and people working in this field for nation building process at different level.
Workshop on Broadcasting “Asia Calling Radio Program” in Bangla
A two- day workshop on “Asia Calling Bangladesh: How to get started and keep going in Bangladesh” jointly organized by Asia Calling Radio, an Indonesia based radio program broadcasting news in Asian countries, and Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) was held at BRAC Inn Center in Dhaka on June 22 and 23.
The aim of the workshop is to broadcast radio program in Bangla. Katie Hamann, Jakarta representative of Asia Calling, conducted the workshop.
To run Asia calling Bangla service, ten journalists from different print and electronic media participated in the workshop. The workshop was conducted on different aspects of radio programs including short packages, feature reports, and radio documentary. Technical aspects regarding making radio news, techniques of voiceover, voice training, audition in adobe addition, radio features etc were the major demonstrated attention of the workshop.
Primarily, in coordination with BNNRC, Asia Calling radio program will be broadcast in Bangla using web radio. It may be mentioned that Asia Calling is broadcast in English and Indonesian on 135 stations throughout the Indonesian archipelago. Besides, the program also extends beyond Indonesia and is broadcast in local languages in Australia, Thailand, Cambodia, The Philippines, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Myanmar and Timor Leste.
The participants think, on the eve of Bangla service of Asia Calling, this kind of training will obviously enrich the Bangla division of Asia Calling.
The aim of the workshop is to broadcast radio program in Bangla. Katie Hamann, Jakarta representative of Asia Calling, conducted the workshop.
To run Asia calling Bangla service, ten journalists from different print and electronic media participated in the workshop. The workshop was conducted on different aspects of radio programs including short packages, feature reports, and radio documentary. Technical aspects regarding making radio news, techniques of voiceover, voice training, audition in adobe addition, radio features etc were the major demonstrated attention of the workshop.
Primarily, in coordination with BNNRC, Asia Calling radio program will be broadcast in Bangla using web radio. It may be mentioned that Asia Calling is broadcast in English and Indonesian on 135 stations throughout the Indonesian archipelago. Besides, the program also extends beyond Indonesia and is broadcast in local languages in Australia, Thailand, Cambodia, The Philippines, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Myanmar and Timor Leste.
The participants think, on the eve of Bangla service of Asia Calling, this kind of training will obviously enrich the Bangla division of Asia Calling.
Two Days Hands on Demonstration about Community Radio in Bangladesh
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) celebrated World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2009. A two-day national program was held on this grand occasion in Chittagong, Bangladesh on 17th May, Sunday, 2009.
World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) is celebrated annually on 17 May since 1969 to raise the awareness of the people regarding various aspect of ICT. The event was celebrated in Chittagong this year.
The theme of this year was “Protecting Children in Cyberspace”. To popularize the concept in building awareness and to ensure youth participation, Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) chalked out an elaborate program for two days (17 - 18 May ‘09).
Keeping “Digital Bangladesh” and “Vision 2021″ in view, the observance of WTISD-09 comprised of an ICT based exhibition, Seminar, ICT classes and various online/offline competition at IEB, Chittagong. The purpose of this event was to encourage the citizen of Bangladesh for contributing in building ICT based nation. The idea was to connect the unconnected and to bridge the gap between lighted and unlighted in the field of ICT related knowledge.
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) chose Chittagong, the Commercial Capital of the country, to host the first-time national level observance of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2009.
Demonstration of a full-functional Community Radio Station took place at the program venue, Engineers Institution Bangladesh, Chittagong center on the eve of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2009 during the two days program.
The regulatory body for telecom affairs in Bangladesh, Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), entrusted Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) to demonstrate a Community Radio station during the program. It can be worthy to mention here that this demonstration of Community Radio Station is the first of its kind in Bangladesh.
Participants of all walks of the society, particularly honorable ministers, members of the parliament, elected representatives of various tier of local government system, academia and students, civil society members, print and electronic media, corporate sector representatives as well as common people came across the basic features of Community Radio Operation through this program.
It is also important to point out here that the present ruling party, Bangladesh Awami League, in its election manifesto 2008 (A Charter for Change, point 19.1) confirmed the policy and programs of establishment, broadcasting and operation of Community Radio Stations in Bangladesh.
The process of scrutinizing and verification of the applications received by the Ministry of Information is now going on in the Ministry of Home affairs.
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) acknowledged the generous support from Article 19 Bangladesh regarding successful implementation of this event.
Community Radio Handbook @ the speaker of Bangladesh Parliament
speaker of Bangladesh Parliament, Advocate Abdul Hamid, was formally given a Community Radio Handbook on Good Governance and Development on 6 April 2009 on behalf of Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC). This Community Radio Handbook on Good Governance and Development supported by DFID- Bangladesh.
At the time of handing over the handbook, the Chief Executive Officer of Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC), AHM Bazlur Rahman briefed the honorable speaker concerning the latest process of Community Radio approval in Bangladesh.
He was requested to start an FM Radio Channel named Bangladesh Parliament FM Radio with the endeavor of parliament in order to establish a direct communication in the midst of parliament and common mass and enhance awareness amongst people regarding parliament.
The speaker listened to the Community Radio issue with rapt attention and thanked the organizers for publishing the handbook.
Community Radio Movement Adviser, Dr. Akram Hossain Chowdhury MP, was also present at that moment.
Training workshop on Community Radio: Operation, Management and Sustainable Planning
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) organized training workshop on Community Radio: Operation, Management and Sustainable Planning supported by Free Voice. The workshop was organized from 14-16 June, 2009 in Dhaka.
The objective of the workshop is to clarify the Community Radio concept and its strategies of operation, different aspects of CR management and sustainable planning.
Thirty high officials from twenty eight applied organizations attended the workshop. Mr. Sohel Aurongojeb, the consultant of Community Radio Academy, facilitated in the workshop.
The issues discussed in the sessions of workshop are: What CR is and why it is essential; the present position of CR in perspective of Bangladesh; CR by laws; Structure of CR Management Committee; CR Station Structure (Administrative); Job Description Manual-HRD, Gender; Finance (with content list); Regulatory Affairs (license fee, license renewal, reporting etc.); Programs to be Broadcast/ not to be Broadcast (on the basis of government policy); Information, Education, Entertainment, Development Motivation ; Daily and Weekly Cue Sheet; Costing Plan for Programs; Volunteer Management; Program Resource Management (Human Resource, Financial Resource etc.) and feedback from audiences; Management Planning; Financial Planning; and Strategic Planning.
The organizations which participated in the workshop are: Speed Trust, Bangladesh Scouts, BRAC, BCDJC, Krishi and Samajik Unnayan Songstha, TMSS, South Asia Partnership- Bangladesh (SAP- Bangladesh), Young Power in Social Action(YPSA), CDA, D.Net, COAST Trust, Come to Work, Pirojpur Gono Unnayan Society, LDRO, Srijoni Bangladesh, POPI, CCD Bangladesh, Sankalpa Trust, Proyas Manobik Unnayan Society, MMC, Gono Unnayan Kendro, Kiraro No Ki, RDRS, Deep Unnayan Songstha, Jugantor Somaj Unnayan Songstha, Samadhan, NHRDA, Nolta Hospital and Community Health Foundation.
MR. Shamim Ahsan, the Communication Officer of UNESCO, and Mr. Mostafa Kamal, the Administrative Chief of Coast Trust, were also present in the closing session.
Chief Executive Officer of BNNRC Meets New Secretary of Ministry of Information
The Chief Executive Officer of Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC), met Dr. Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury, the new Secretary in Charge of Ministry of Information, on July 12, 2009 at Bangladesh Secretariat.
At the meeting Mr. Chowdhury was congratulated for taking responsibility as Secretary in Charge of Ministry of Information. BNNRC hopes that Ministry of Information will play a significant role with his dynamic leadership.
There Mr. Rahman briefed him regarding some agendas: Community Radio installation, broadcasting and operation policy, 2008 has already been drawn up with an endeavor of Information Ministry. Just after the declaration of Community Radio policy, Information Ministry invites application for installation of Community Radio from 18 March, 2008. Gradually, National Regulatory Committee, Technical Sub Committee and Central Monitoring Committee are formed as per the said policy.
A promise was expressed in Article 19.1 of Bangladesh Awami League’s Election Manifesto named “Din Bodoler Sonod” in which they expressed endeavor to open up Community Radio at local level apart from National Mass Communication for ensuring freedom of mass communication and free flow of information.
Community Radio Academy has already been set up for building capacity of Community Radio stakeholders. Training workshops, seminars etc are being held one after another with the endeavor of Community Radio Academy. We think, there now remains manpower, preparation, and capability of operating 40/50 Community Radio all over the country.
Mr. Chowdhury was also informed regarding AMARC – Asia Pacific (AMARC-AP) Conference. The conference is supposed to be held on October 10-14, 2009. He was requested to send a high level delegation in this conference from Ministry of Information (MOI).
BNNRC will arrange a Pre Consultation in Dhaka before AMARC-Asia Pacific (AMARC-AP) Conference. The secretary was informed regarding every important matter of it.
BNNRC has already conducted a baseline survey on Community Radio operation. He was also informed about this. BNNRC would like to disseminate the baseline survey. He was requested to participate in that occasion on the eve of dissemination.
Mr. Rahman also expected his personal endeavor to accelerate the Community Radio broadcasting process for ensuring access to Information and Good Governance as well as Development.
No objection for establishment of 22 Community Radio Station in Bangladesh
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) is promoting the advocacy with the government in relations to community radio with other organizations since its emergence. The objective of BNNRC’s Community Radio intervention is to address crucial social issues at community level, such as poverty and social exclusion, empower marginalized rural groups and catalyze democratic processes and ongoing development efforts.
Community Radio is going to make an important place in development field in Bangladesh. Ministry of Information formulated Community Radio Installation, Broadcasting and Operation Policy 2008. Having prepared a complete pro-people policy for the first time in Bangladesh and 2nd policy in South Asia, the People’s Republic of Bangladesh has already been widely appreciated by local, national and international bodies.
In the meantime, Community Radio Academy has been established by Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) with a view to building up capacity on Community Radio operation of the initiators. Under the initiatives of the academy training workshops, round table, seminar etc are being organized incessantly.
According to the policy, National Regulatory Committee on Community Radio of Ministry Information sent 116 Community Radio applications to Home Ministry on 24 July, 2008 for police verification. The Home Ministry informed the Ministry of Information regarding no objection for establishment of 22 Community Radio Station after the investigation of DGFI, NSI, and SB.
At present, the reformation of National Regulatory Committee is going on under the Ministry of Information. After completion of this reformation National Regulatory Committee will give final approval to open up Community Radio in Bangladesh.
Community Radio is going to make an important place in development field in Bangladesh. Ministry of Information formulated Community Radio Installation, Broadcasting and Operation Policy 2008. Having prepared a complete pro-people policy for the first time in Bangladesh and 2nd policy in South Asia, the People’s Republic of Bangladesh has already been widely appreciated by local, national and international bodies.
In the meantime, Community Radio Academy has been established by Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) with a view to building up capacity on Community Radio operation of the initiators. Under the initiatives of the academy training workshops, round table, seminar etc are being organized incessantly.
According to the policy, National Regulatory Committee on Community Radio of Ministry Information sent 116 Community Radio applications to Home Ministry on 24 July, 2008 for police verification. The Home Ministry informed the Ministry of Information regarding no objection for establishment of 22 Community Radio Station after the investigation of DGFI, NSI, and SB.
At present, the reformation of National Regulatory Committee is going on under the Ministry of Information. After completion of this reformation National Regulatory Committee will give final approval to open up Community Radio in Bangladesh.
The Role of Community Radio in Establishing Good Governance Through Right to Information in Bangladesh
The Role of Community Radio in Establishing Good Governance
Through Right to Information in Bangladesh
By AHM Bazlur Rahman -S21BR
Chief Executive Officer
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication
ceo@bnnrc.net
As there is no appropriate power and opportunity to complain for marginalized population in the centered democratic society, one kind of opportunists, politicians and local administration take the chance to deprive them of their legal rights.
These marginalized rural and poor people may get an opportunity to discuss regarding these actual rights through the programs of Community Radio. Side by side, these sort of radio plays a role of mirror in the society and accelerates pro people endeavor of local administration and the politicians and arouses their responsibilities to the society.
Community Radio can play the role regarding the discussion program with community members and the personnel of different administrations reviewing the problems of community people and indicating the things to be done.
The discussion regarding local government or council or live telecast of meetings and conferences are the excellent strategies of Community Radio. In primitive society the total locality or society had been regulated by only a couple of families and the general people would hesitate to say anything. Community Radio can assist in opening the voice of the general people. In some cases, the influential personalities do not have any way without tolerating these broadcast discussions.
Good Governance is such a system which is practiced in economics, politics, and through the use of social resources. And it is such a work process in state management that civil society can express the opinion regarding the issues of concerning interest, legal rights, and differences of opinion and can participate in every issue of state.
That means there exists less opportunity of effective participation of people in the existing governing system but in good governance system, there exists manifold opportunities for the participation of people.
Good Governance can be assorted into three stages in general .They are:
A) Good Political Governance
B) Good Social Governance, and
C) Good Economic Governance
(A) Good political Governance:
In good political governance, there exists decentralization of power and administrative authority and transparency; people’s participation and accountability exist in every stage of governance. Besides, establishment of justice and creating speedy trial exist in the boundary of good political governance.
(B) Good Social Governance: In good social governance there exists building strong civil society, establishing human rights, equality of both male and female, exchanging information especially to ensure that in Urban and Rural and make it easier, to encourage the businessmen to spend a little portion of their income in social welfare.
(C) Good Economic Governance: In good economic governance there exists some
points such as, to enhance the amount of budget necessarily regarding social development; to reform tax management, to make the information available regarding Credit and government services and to ensure the access of poor community in these kind of services; to take appropriate decisions by reviewing the impacts of trade policy of multinational companies and world trade upon the poor community people.
Amongst all the problems incessantly faced by the people of Bangladesh, poverty is one of the most. Moreover, there exists ecological imbalance, economic disparity, imbalance modernization in social infrastructure and the created problems by it, individual ownership, political unrest, inequality, encroachment of government resources/ assets, poor health services, insufficient income, violation of human rights and violence against women etc.
Though there are a plenty of sugar coated speeches in the manifestoes of political parties for confronting these problems; but in real sphere, it is not seen to make these speeches fruitful. Subsequently, it can be said in a word that, in the activities of political parties, poverty alleviation and good governance was ignored at almost all times.
In that case, CR can play a role in building necessary communication structure for making people’s participation possible in development activities/ programs. Needless to say about the development strategy that CR can put marks of success in implementing them. CR can achieve a magical success in effective partnership development and government, non governmental industrial and trade sector and market management. Even, in establishing public-private partnership and societal corporatism of industrial institution, CR can play the role of arbitrator.
How Community Radio can work in ensuring Good Governance
First, the first and foremost work of Community Radio is to give importance in keeping democratic process always advanced by keeping up its position impartial. Besides this, CR also can work as a catalyst with the government, opposition party, administration, businessmen, and civil society leaders for keeping democratic process uninterrupted, and as an aftermath, both sides become positively influenced.
To create a pressure from community and civil representatives through dialogues, talk shows, discussion programs and magazine programs so as to state, market and society can always play the pro people role. As a matter of fact, ensuring good governance is not possible if state, market and society don’t work collaboratively.
Which work Community radio can perform specifically in good governance and Development.
In developing Good Political Governance
- To enhance participation of people and civil society members for accelerating the work of local government and broadcast program relating to alternative opinion.
- To create awareness in rural community regarding things to be done in drawing up local government’s budget and lengthy planning.
- To scrutinize the budget of local government and ensure transparency and accountability and to offer information regarding things to be done by the members of civil society organizations in enhancing participation of common people.
- To arrange question- answer program among local parliament member and local people through Community Radio.
- To identify service rendering sections of government and broadcast regularly regarding all information of services (what services, for whom the services are, price of service etc.) in the light of citizen charter published by them.
- To make the citizens aware in responsibilities regarding state, market and society by means of running citizen education program.
- To broadcast program regularly regarding how the citizens and the elected representatives of local government will play more responsible role in the society.
- To notify people regularly regarding the procedures of legislature, executive and judiciary; in this sphere, to inform the community people regarding the things to be done.
- To broadcast program how the community people can get good effect in achieving access of family and village court.
- To bring the local administration aside from colonial gesture and attitude and broadcast awareness raising program for keeping the community people in the role of moderator.
In developing Good Social Governance
- To broadcast program relating to building strong civil society at rural level.
- To broadcast regular program on the situation of human rights in the locality.
- To broadcast issue based program and help people participate in that program so that the community people can be able to involve themselves in development program by exchanging information.
- To encourage the business personnel so as to they are able to spend a little portion of their profit in social service. And, to receive opinion from community people regarding where this (spending the profit)
will be more effective.
- To do active participatory program planning, making and broadcast regarding different problems, potential and remedy of minor community and disabled people.
In developing Good Economic Governance
- To broadcast talk show/ conversation program at community level about increasing budget in social development sector after analyzing the budget.
- To broadcast development related program by means of interaction of both the local government and community people so that the citizens can pay tax regularly and the local government can carry out its responsibility.
- To broadcast analytical program so that the poor people can avail themselves of loan facility and they may not fall into trap in getting loan; to collect best applications/exercises from home and abroad for making the micro credit pro- people and broadcast them continuously.
- To broadcast informative programs so that the poor people can establish rights in their land as per governmental policy.
Community Radio can accelerate its victorious mission of good governance strategically by means of ensuring local community participation. Community Radio can ensure rural community participation in establishing good governance through policy making discussions with government, existing marketing system, and civil society leaders.
For more info: ceo@bnnrc.net www.bnnrc.net
Through Right to Information in Bangladesh
By AHM Bazlur Rahman -S21BR
Chief Executive Officer
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication
ceo@bnnrc.net
As there is no appropriate power and opportunity to complain for marginalized population in the centered democratic society, one kind of opportunists, politicians and local administration take the chance to deprive them of their legal rights.
These marginalized rural and poor people may get an opportunity to discuss regarding these actual rights through the programs of Community Radio. Side by side, these sort of radio plays a role of mirror in the society and accelerates pro people endeavor of local administration and the politicians and arouses their responsibilities to the society.
Community Radio can play the role regarding the discussion program with community members and the personnel of different administrations reviewing the problems of community people and indicating the things to be done.
The discussion regarding local government or council or live telecast of meetings and conferences are the excellent strategies of Community Radio. In primitive society the total locality or society had been regulated by only a couple of families and the general people would hesitate to say anything. Community Radio can assist in opening the voice of the general people. In some cases, the influential personalities do not have any way without tolerating these broadcast discussions.
Good Governance is such a system which is practiced in economics, politics, and through the use of social resources. And it is such a work process in state management that civil society can express the opinion regarding the issues of concerning interest, legal rights, and differences of opinion and can participate in every issue of state.
That means there exists less opportunity of effective participation of people in the existing governing system but in good governance system, there exists manifold opportunities for the participation of people.
Good Governance can be assorted into three stages in general .They are:
A) Good Political Governance
B) Good Social Governance, and
C) Good Economic Governance
(A) Good political Governance:
In good political governance, there exists decentralization of power and administrative authority and transparency; people’s participation and accountability exist in every stage of governance. Besides, establishment of justice and creating speedy trial exist in the boundary of good political governance.
(B) Good Social Governance: In good social governance there exists building strong civil society, establishing human rights, equality of both male and female, exchanging information especially to ensure that in Urban and Rural and make it easier, to encourage the businessmen to spend a little portion of their income in social welfare.
(C) Good Economic Governance: In good economic governance there exists some
points such as, to enhance the amount of budget necessarily regarding social development; to reform tax management, to make the information available regarding Credit and government services and to ensure the access of poor community in these kind of services; to take appropriate decisions by reviewing the impacts of trade policy of multinational companies and world trade upon the poor community people.
Amongst all the problems incessantly faced by the people of Bangladesh, poverty is one of the most. Moreover, there exists ecological imbalance, economic disparity, imbalance modernization in social infrastructure and the created problems by it, individual ownership, political unrest, inequality, encroachment of government resources/ assets, poor health services, insufficient income, violation of human rights and violence against women etc.
Though there are a plenty of sugar coated speeches in the manifestoes of political parties for confronting these problems; but in real sphere, it is not seen to make these speeches fruitful. Subsequently, it can be said in a word that, in the activities of political parties, poverty alleviation and good governance was ignored at almost all times.
In that case, CR can play a role in building necessary communication structure for making people’s participation possible in development activities/ programs. Needless to say about the development strategy that CR can put marks of success in implementing them. CR can achieve a magical success in effective partnership development and government, non governmental industrial and trade sector and market management. Even, in establishing public-private partnership and societal corporatism of industrial institution, CR can play the role of arbitrator.
How Community Radio can work in ensuring Good Governance
First, the first and foremost work of Community Radio is to give importance in keeping democratic process always advanced by keeping up its position impartial. Besides this, CR also can work as a catalyst with the government, opposition party, administration, businessmen, and civil society leaders for keeping democratic process uninterrupted, and as an aftermath, both sides become positively influenced.
To create a pressure from community and civil representatives through dialogues, talk shows, discussion programs and magazine programs so as to state, market and society can always play the pro people role. As a matter of fact, ensuring good governance is not possible if state, market and society don’t work collaboratively.
Which work Community radio can perform specifically in good governance and Development.
In developing Good Political Governance
- To enhance participation of people and civil society members for accelerating the work of local government and broadcast program relating to alternative opinion.
- To create awareness in rural community regarding things to be done in drawing up local government’s budget and lengthy planning.
- To scrutinize the budget of local government and ensure transparency and accountability and to offer information regarding things to be done by the members of civil society organizations in enhancing participation of common people.
- To arrange question- answer program among local parliament member and local people through Community Radio.
- To identify service rendering sections of government and broadcast regularly regarding all information of services (what services, for whom the services are, price of service etc.) in the light of citizen charter published by them.
- To make the citizens aware in responsibilities regarding state, market and society by means of running citizen education program.
- To broadcast program regularly regarding how the citizens and the elected representatives of local government will play more responsible role in the society.
- To notify people regularly regarding the procedures of legislature, executive and judiciary; in this sphere, to inform the community people regarding the things to be done.
- To broadcast program how the community people can get good effect in achieving access of family and village court.
- To bring the local administration aside from colonial gesture and attitude and broadcast awareness raising program for keeping the community people in the role of moderator.
In developing Good Social Governance
- To broadcast program relating to building strong civil society at rural level.
- To broadcast regular program on the situation of human rights in the locality.
- To broadcast issue based program and help people participate in that program so that the community people can be able to involve themselves in development program by exchanging information.
- To encourage the business personnel so as to they are able to spend a little portion of their profit in social service. And, to receive opinion from community people regarding where this (spending the profit)
will be more effective.
- To do active participatory program planning, making and broadcast regarding different problems, potential and remedy of minor community and disabled people.
In developing Good Economic Governance
- To broadcast talk show/ conversation program at community level about increasing budget in social development sector after analyzing the budget.
- To broadcast development related program by means of interaction of both the local government and community people so that the citizens can pay tax regularly and the local government can carry out its responsibility.
- To broadcast analytical program so that the poor people can avail themselves of loan facility and they may not fall into trap in getting loan; to collect best applications/exercises from home and abroad for making the micro credit pro- people and broadcast them continuously.
- To broadcast informative programs so that the poor people can establish rights in their land as per governmental policy.
Community Radio can accelerate its victorious mission of good governance strategically by means of ensuring local community participation. Community Radio can ensure rural community participation in establishing good governance through policy making discussions with government, existing marketing system, and civil society leaders.
For more info: ceo@bnnrc.net www.bnnrc.net
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Bangladesh: Community Radio Handbook for Good Governance and Development in Bangladesh
Community Radio is going to make an important place in development field in Bangladesh.
Under this circumstance, Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) has taken initiative of publishing a Community Radio Handbook for Good Governance and Development to meet the basic needs and demands of the community radio initiators, regulators, managers, community leaders and community broadcasters in respect to setting up and operating the community radio stations successfully in Bangladesh.
This handbook will be a good compilation of all necessary chapters and key aspects of community radio operation mechanism. With the help of this Community Radio Handbook, Community Radio stakeholders will have knowledge of technical and management skills come to know about the function, management, procedure, prospect, sustainability, working environment, interest issues, culture, socio-economic status, challenges and difficulties of running Community Radio and have all concerned resources and facilities available for their progress and success.
Besides, from this handbook, a reader will also get better understanding of the relevance of community radio in poor communities; the broad applicability of community radio to a range of sectoral activities such as health, rights, education, livelihoods, and conflict prevention; the need to deepen the capacity of community radio broadcasters at all levels to conduct effective monitoring and evaluation.
This publication will be helpful for long-term preservation and sharing as a guide with the concerned policy makers, donor agencies, regulatory, technical and monitoring committee members, local administration such as, Parliamentarian, Upa Zila Chairman, Deputy Commissioners (DC), Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNO), officials of the local intelligence wings and law enforcing agencies, local government and people working in this field for nation building process at different level.
Bazlu
_______________________
AHM. Bazlur Rahman-S21BR
Chief Executive Officer
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication(BNNRC)
&
Member, Strategy Council
UN-Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UN GAID)
House: 13/1, Road:2, Shaymoli, Dhaka-1207
Post Box: 5095, Dhaka 1205 Bangladesh
Phone: 88-02-9130750, 88-02-9138501
01711881647 Fax: 88-02-9138501-105
E-mail: ceo@bnnrc.net, bnnrc@bd.drik.net
www.bnnrc.net
Under this circumstance, Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) has taken initiative of publishing a Community Radio Handbook for Good Governance and Development to meet the basic needs and demands of the community radio initiators, regulators, managers, community leaders and community broadcasters in respect to setting up and operating the community radio stations successfully in Bangladesh.
This handbook will be a good compilation of all necessary chapters and key aspects of community radio operation mechanism. With the help of this Community Radio Handbook, Community Radio stakeholders will have knowledge of technical and management skills come to know about the function, management, procedure, prospect, sustainability, working environment, interest issues, culture, socio-economic status, challenges and difficulties of running Community Radio and have all concerned resources and facilities available for their progress and success.
Besides, from this handbook, a reader will also get better understanding of the relevance of community radio in poor communities; the broad applicability of community radio to a range of sectoral activities such as health, rights, education, livelihoods, and conflict prevention; the need to deepen the capacity of community radio broadcasters at all levels to conduct effective monitoring and evaluation.
This publication will be helpful for long-term preservation and sharing as a guide with the concerned policy makers, donor agencies, regulatory, technical and monitoring committee members, local administration such as, Parliamentarian, Upa Zila Chairman, Deputy Commissioners (DC), Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNO), officials of the local intelligence wings and law enforcing agencies, local government and people working in this field for nation building process at different level.
Bazlu
_______________________
AHM. Bazlur Rahman-S21BR
Chief Executive Officer
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication(BNNRC)
&
Member, Strategy Council
UN-Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UN GAID)
House: 13/1, Road:2, Shaymoli, Dhaka-1207
Post Box: 5095, Dhaka 1205 Bangladesh
Phone: 88-02-9130750, 88-02-9138501
01711881647 Fax: 88-02-9138501-105
E-mail: ceo@bnnrc.net, bnnrc@bd.drik.net
www.bnnrc.net
Be Community Radio one of the development tools for the voiceless.
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC).is promoting the advocacy with the government in relation to community radio with other organizations since its emergence. Community Radio is playing very significant role in the countries of South Asia responding to other regions of the world. Recently Information Ministry of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh formulated Community Radio Installation, Broadcast and Operation Policy 2008 and we would thank the Government for this policy.
State is still a sweeping entity to the poor people in Bangladesh, where to reach is tiresome and dialogue is beyond imagination. At the same time, even their own community neglects the voice of the poor people. In this circumstance, promoting, empowering and extension of community radio can play significant role in alleviating poverty through creating easy access of the poor to the information highway.
The third goal of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) is gender equity and women empowerment. Considering the ownership and access to the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as an instance, it appears transparent that gender discrimination in technological use is extensively wide in Bangladesh.
Gender discrimination is much wider in broadcasting sector. As community radio is going to run in the country, if the gender issue is considered with much emphasis since the beginning, it will be possible to ensure gender equality at least in the administration, management, program and financial planning of community radio operation.
One of the objectives of publishing the very Gender Policy in Community Radio Stations prepared by World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC) - Women International Network (WIN) Asia Pacific in Bangla is to create massive awareness of the government, non-government and development initiators on eliminating gender discrimination in community radio stations.
We hope the community radio initiators will follow the instruction stated in the Gender Policy in Community Radio Stations and play marking role in ensuring gender equity in the broadcast sector in Bangladesh.
Be Community Radio one of the development tools for the voiceless.
With best wishes,
Bazlu
_______________________
AHM. Bazlur Rahman-S21BR
Chief Executive Officer
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication(BNNRC)
&
Member, Strategy Council
UN-Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UN GAID)
House: 13/1, Road:2, Shaymoli, Dhaka-1207
Post Box: 5095, Dhaka 1205 Bangladesh
Phone: 88-02-9130750, 88-02-9138501
01711881647 Fax: 88-02-9138501-105
E-mail: ceo@bnnrc.net, bnnrc@bd.drik.net
www.bnnrc.net
State is still a sweeping entity to the poor people in Bangladesh, where to reach is tiresome and dialogue is beyond imagination. At the same time, even their own community neglects the voice of the poor people. In this circumstance, promoting, empowering and extension of community radio can play significant role in alleviating poverty through creating easy access of the poor to the information highway.
The third goal of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) is gender equity and women empowerment. Considering the ownership and access to the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as an instance, it appears transparent that gender discrimination in technological use is extensively wide in Bangladesh.
Gender discrimination is much wider in broadcasting sector. As community radio is going to run in the country, if the gender issue is considered with much emphasis since the beginning, it will be possible to ensure gender equality at least in the administration, management, program and financial planning of community radio operation.
One of the objectives of publishing the very Gender Policy in Community Radio Stations prepared by World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC) - Women International Network (WIN) Asia Pacific in Bangla is to create massive awareness of the government, non-government and development initiators on eliminating gender discrimination in community radio stations.
We hope the community radio initiators will follow the instruction stated in the Gender Policy in Community Radio Stations and play marking role in ensuring gender equity in the broadcast sector in Bangladesh.
Be Community Radio one of the development tools for the voiceless.
With best wishes,
Bazlu
_______________________
AHM. Bazlur Rahman-S21BR
Chief Executive Officer
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication(BNNRC)
&
Member, Strategy Council
UN-Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UN GAID)
House: 13/1, Road:2, Shaymoli, Dhaka-1207
Post Box: 5095, Dhaka 1205 Bangladesh
Phone: 88-02-9130750, 88-02-9138501
01711881647 Fax: 88-02-9138501-105
E-mail: ceo@bnnrc.net, bnnrc@bd.drik.net
www.bnnrc.net
We invite you to join Community Radio initiative in Bangladesh.
Community Radio has a very special place in Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication(BNNRC) 's intervention. The objective of BNNRC 's Community Radio intervention is to address crucial social issues at community level, such as poverty and social exclusion, empower marginalized rural groups and catalyze democratic processes and on going development efforts. You know BNNRC is promoting the advocacy with the government in relations to community radio with other organizations since its emergence.
Role of Community Radio in rural areas like give voice to the people who normally have no access to the mass media nor opportunity to express their views on community development, Speeds up the process of informing the community and therefore acts as a catalyst of change, Promote the right to communicate, assist the free flow of information and opinions, encourage creative expression and contribute to the democratic process and a pluralist society;
Provide access to training, production and distribution facilities; encourage local creative talent and foster local traditions; and provide program for the benefit, entertainment, education and development of their listeners.
Seek to have their ownership representative of local geographically recognizable communities or of communities of common interest. Provide a right of access to minority and marginalized groups and promote and protect cultural and linguistic diversity. Seek to honestly inform their listeners on the basis of information drawn from a diversity of sources and provide a right of reply to any person or organization subject to serious misrepresentation. Community Radio helps to put the community members in charge of their own affairs
As a result Ministry of Information of People's Republic of Bangladesh has announced the Community Radio Installation, Broadcast and Operation Policy 2008 for the first time in Bangladesh. The Ministry of information has also formulated three committees i.e National Regulatory Committee, Technical Sub Committee and Central Monitoring Committee to look after the smooth operation of community radio in Bangladesh.
By the way the technical sub-committee formed in accordance with the community radio policy 2008, sent a list of 124 Government and non-government organizations after sorting out of 180 applications to the National Regulatory Committee headed by Information Secretary. This committee Primarily selected 116 organizations eligible for license on Tuesday 15th July, 2008. Notably, 400 organizations drew application forms from the Ministry but only 180 submitted their applications for license. Having insufficient documents, papers and qualifications for the license, applications of those organizations have been ineligible of the consideration for license.
BNNRC provided technical assistance to around 200 organizations in the community radio application process through a National Help Desk on Community Radio in BNNRC Secretariat in Dhaka. Through this experience we have felt that a pro active institution should be activated to create necessary human resource, research and development and technical cooperation for Community Radio in Bangladesh.
In this backdrop, BNNRC has established Community Radio Academy. The Academy is going to provide community radio related training, technical assistance and other support round the year. We hope community radio to be the alternative and strongly effective mass media for the rural disadvantaged population to express their thinking in their own voice.
We invite you to join Community Radio initiative in Bangladesh.
With my best regards,
Bazlu
______________________
AHM. Bazlur Rahman-S21BR
Chief Executive Officer
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication(BNNRC)
&
Member, Strategy Council
UN-Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UN GAID)
House: 13/1, Road:2, Shaymoli, Dhaka-1207
Post Box: 5095, Dhaka 1205 Bangladesh
Phone: 88-02-9130750, 88-02-9138501
01711881647 Fax: 88-02-9138501-105
E-mail: ceo@bnnrc.net, bnnrc@bd.drik.net
www.bnnrc.net
Role of Community Radio in rural areas like give voice to the people who normally have no access to the mass media nor opportunity to express their views on community development, Speeds up the process of informing the community and therefore acts as a catalyst of change, Promote the right to communicate, assist the free flow of information and opinions, encourage creative expression and contribute to the democratic process and a pluralist society;
Provide access to training, production and distribution facilities; encourage local creative talent and foster local traditions; and provide program for the benefit, entertainment, education and development of their listeners.
Seek to have their ownership representative of local geographically recognizable communities or of communities of common interest. Provide a right of access to minority and marginalized groups and promote and protect cultural and linguistic diversity. Seek to honestly inform their listeners on the basis of information drawn from a diversity of sources and provide a right of reply to any person or organization subject to serious misrepresentation. Community Radio helps to put the community members in charge of their own affairs
As a result Ministry of Information of People's Republic of Bangladesh has announced the Community Radio Installation, Broadcast and Operation Policy 2008 for the first time in Bangladesh. The Ministry of information has also formulated three committees i.e National Regulatory Committee, Technical Sub Committee and Central Monitoring Committee to look after the smooth operation of community radio in Bangladesh.
By the way the technical sub-committee formed in accordance with the community radio policy 2008, sent a list of 124 Government and non-government organizations after sorting out of 180 applications to the National Regulatory Committee headed by Information Secretary. This committee Primarily selected 116 organizations eligible for license on Tuesday 15th July, 2008. Notably, 400 organizations drew application forms from the Ministry but only 180 submitted their applications for license. Having insufficient documents, papers and qualifications for the license, applications of those organizations have been ineligible of the consideration for license.
BNNRC provided technical assistance to around 200 organizations in the community radio application process through a National Help Desk on Community Radio in BNNRC Secretariat in Dhaka. Through this experience we have felt that a pro active institution should be activated to create necessary human resource, research and development and technical cooperation for Community Radio in Bangladesh.
In this backdrop, BNNRC has established Community Radio Academy. The Academy is going to provide community radio related training, technical assistance and other support round the year. We hope community radio to be the alternative and strongly effective mass media for the rural disadvantaged population to express their thinking in their own voice.
We invite you to join Community Radio initiative in Bangladesh.
With my best regards,
Bazlu
______________________
AHM. Bazlur Rahman-S21BR
Chief Executive Officer
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication(BNNRC)
&
Member, Strategy Council
UN-Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UN GAID)
House: 13/1, Road:2, Shaymoli, Dhaka-1207
Post Box: 5095, Dhaka 1205 Bangladesh
Phone: 88-02-9130750, 88-02-9138501
01711881647 Fax: 88-02-9138501-105
E-mail: ceo@bnnrc.net, bnnrc@bd.drik.net
www.bnnrc.net
Another Type of World is Still Possible through Another Type of Communication, OF COURSE!!!
Another Type of World is Still Possible through Another Type of Communication, OF COURSE!!!
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) is a national networking body on alternative mass media working for building a democratic society based on the principles of free flow of information, equitable and affordable access to Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) and Right to Communication of remote and marginalized population.
BNNRC is registered body with NGO Affaires Bureau and Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Government of Bangladesh as an Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) Network and established in 2000 as per Article 19 charter of Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
BNNRC has been undertaking pioneer approaches to integrate ICT for Development (ICT4D), related policy advocacy for good governance, People's Right in Country and Global Commons and Poverty Alleviation with community development work at the grassroots through its networking NGOs in Bangladesh.
BNNRC's outreach extends to local, national and international forums. Communication is recognized as an essential human need and, therefore, as a basic human right. In this backdrop, BNNRC's working strategies are:
1. Communicating in Public Sphere 2. Communicating Knowledge
3. Civil Rights in Communication 4. Cultural Rights in Communication
BNNRC now strives for the following core interventions to achieve Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP), World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Action Plan and Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Bangladesh
1. Awareness on correlations of ICT, poverty alleviation and Institutionalization of Democracy and Right to Information (RTI)
2. Establishment of ICT Resource Center and Promotion of Rural Knowledge Volunteers (RKV) as primary ICT catalyst in remote rural areas;
3. Advocacy and Campaign for Bridging the Digital Divide/Information Divide/Knowledge Divide through Community Radio - voices for the voice-less/ voices for the rural people;
4. Piloting Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) projects at rural areas to create show case examples for greater multiplication through Rural Knowledge Center (RKC)/ Tele Centre,
5. Establishment of Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services (RACES) for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) through Amateur Radio (HAM Radio) Promotion,
6. Establishment of People's Right in Telecommunication/ Global Commons/Country Commons.
7. To promote the adoption of Free/Open Source Software (FOSS), open standards, and open content for development
BNNRC utilizes its vast experience and works as development partner with all concerned government ministries/bodies, Political leaders NGOs, CBOs, private sector, civil society actors, media, national and international agencies and other stakeholders to promote Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D).
We invite you to join our Struggle!!!
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) is a national networking body on alternative mass media working for building a democratic society based on the principles of free flow of information, equitable and affordable access to Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) and Right to Communication of remote and marginalized population.
BNNRC is registered body with NGO Affaires Bureau and Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Government of Bangladesh as an Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) Network and established in 2000 as per Article 19 charter of Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
BNNRC has been undertaking pioneer approaches to integrate ICT for Development (ICT4D), related policy advocacy for good governance, People's Right in Country and Global Commons and Poverty Alleviation with community development work at the grassroots through its networking NGOs in Bangladesh.
BNNRC's outreach extends to local, national and international forums. Communication is recognized as an essential human need and, therefore, as a basic human right. In this backdrop, BNNRC's working strategies are:
1. Communicating in Public Sphere 2. Communicating Knowledge
3. Civil Rights in Communication 4. Cultural Rights in Communication
BNNRC now strives for the following core interventions to achieve Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP), World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Action Plan and Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Bangladesh
1. Awareness on correlations of ICT, poverty alleviation and Institutionalization of Democracy and Right to Information (RTI)
2. Establishment of ICT Resource Center and Promotion of Rural Knowledge Volunteers (RKV) as primary ICT catalyst in remote rural areas;
3. Advocacy and Campaign for Bridging the Digital Divide/Information Divide/Knowledge Divide through Community Radio - voices for the voice-less/ voices for the rural people;
4. Piloting Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) projects at rural areas to create show case examples for greater multiplication through Rural Knowledge Center (RKC)/ Tele Centre,
5. Establishment of Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services (RACES) for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) through Amateur Radio (HAM Radio) Promotion,
6. Establishment of People's Right in Telecommunication/ Global Commons/Country Commons.
7. To promote the adoption of Free/Open Source Software (FOSS), open standards, and open content for development
BNNRC utilizes its vast experience and works as development partner with all concerned government ministries/bodies, Political leaders NGOs, CBOs, private sector, civil society actors, media, national and international agencies and other stakeholders to promote Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D).
We invite you to join our Struggle!!!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Community Radio Services in Election Manifesto of Bangladesh Awami League
Community Radio Services in Election Manifesto of Bangladesh Awami League
President of Bangladesh Awami League, one of the largest political party of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina yesterday (12 December) unveiled her party's manifesto for the 9th National Parliamentary Election 2008 of Bangladesh titled Charter of Change. Community Radio Services has included in this Charter for Change under the Article of Freedom of mass media and information. This Article has given bellow-
Article 19. Freedom of mass media and information:
Article 19.1: The freedom of all type of mass media and flow of information will be ensures. Initiative will be taken for community radio services, besides national radio network.
Article 19.2: Investigation and trial of assassination of all journalists will be made expeditiously and the real criminals will be given exemplary punishment Persecution and intimidation of journalists will be stopped. All false cases against them will be withdrawn.
Article 19.3: Discrimination in distribution of advertisements on partisan consideration shall be discontinued, and development of the newspapers as an industry will be aided.
For happy reading http://www.albd.org/autoalbd/content/view/367/
Bazlu
AHM. Bazlur Rahman-S21BR
Chief Executive OfficerBangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication(BNNRC)& Member, Strategy Council
UN-Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UN GAID)
House: 13/1, Road:2, Shaymoli, Dhaka-1207 Post Box: 5095, Dhaka 1205 Bangladesh Phone:
88-02-9130750, 88-02-913850101711881647 Fax: 88-02-9138501-105 E-mail: ceo@bnnrc.net, bnnrc@bd.drik.netwww.bnnrc.net
President of Bangladesh Awami League, one of the largest political party of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina yesterday (12 December) unveiled her party's manifesto for the 9th National Parliamentary Election 2008 of Bangladesh titled Charter of Change. Community Radio Services has included in this Charter for Change under the Article of Freedom of mass media and information. This Article has given bellow-
Article 19. Freedom of mass media and information:
Article 19.1: The freedom of all type of mass media and flow of information will be ensures. Initiative will be taken for community radio services, besides national radio network.
Article 19.2: Investigation and trial of assassination of all journalists will be made expeditiously and the real criminals will be given exemplary punishment Persecution and intimidation of journalists will be stopped. All false cases against them will be withdrawn.
Article 19.3: Discrimination in distribution of advertisements on partisan consideration shall be discontinued, and development of the newspapers as an industry will be aided.
For happy reading http://www.albd.org/autoalbd/content/view/367/
Bazlu
AHM. Bazlur Rahman-S21BR
Chief Executive OfficerBangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication(BNNRC)& Member, Strategy Council
UN-Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UN GAID)
House: 13/1, Road:2, Shaymoli, Dhaka-1207 Post Box: 5095, Dhaka 1205 Bangladesh Phone:
88-02-9130750, 88-02-913850101711881647 Fax: 88-02-9138501-105 E-mail: ceo@bnnrc.net, bnnrc@bd.drik.netwww.bnnrc.net
We would also like to express our commitment to work with you from Bangladesh
Dear Sir,
Greetings from Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication(BNNRC).
BNNRC is a national networking body working for building a democratic society based on the principles of free flow of information, equitable & affordable access to Information, Communication Technology (ICT) for remote & marginalized population.
BNNRC registered with Ministry of Law, Parliamentary and Justice Affairs as a trust and NGO Affairs Bureau of Government of Bangladesh as an organization of Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) and established in 2000 as per Article 19 charter of UN bill of rights.
BNNRC now strive for following core interventions to achieve WSIS action plan, Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and PRSP;
1. Awareness on correlations of ICT, poverty alleviation and Institutionalization of Democracy and
Right to information (RTI)
2. Establishment of ICT Resource Center and Promotion of Rural Knowledge Volunteers as primary ICT
catalyst in remote rural areas
3. Advocacy and Campaign for Bridge the Digital Divide/Information Divide/ Knowledge Divide and
Open up airwaves for Community Radio - voices for the voice-less
4. Piloting of ICT4D projects at rural areas to create show case examples for greater multiplication
through Rural Knowledge Center(RKC)
5. Establishment Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services (RACES) for Disaster Risk Reduction
through Amateur Radio Promotion
6. People's Rights in Telecommunication/ Building capacity for ICT /rural broadcast Journalist.
We would also like to express our commitment to work with you. In this backdrop, We solicit your special cooperation in this regards,
With best regards,
Bazlu
AHM. Bazlur Rahman-S21BR
Chief Executive Officer
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication(BNNRC)
& Member, Strategy Council
UN-Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UN GAID)
House: 13/1, Road:2, Shaymoli, Dhaka-1207
Post Box: 5095, Dhaka 1205 Bangladesh
Phone: 88-02-9130750, 88-02-913850101711881647
Fax: 88-02-9138501-105
E-mail: ceo@bnnrc.net, bnnrc@bd.drik.netwww.bnnrc.net
Greetings from Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication(BNNRC).
BNNRC is a national networking body working for building a democratic society based on the principles of free flow of information, equitable & affordable access to Information, Communication Technology (ICT) for remote & marginalized population.
BNNRC registered with Ministry of Law, Parliamentary and Justice Affairs as a trust and NGO Affairs Bureau of Government of Bangladesh as an organization of Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) and established in 2000 as per Article 19 charter of UN bill of rights.
BNNRC now strive for following core interventions to achieve WSIS action plan, Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and PRSP;
1. Awareness on correlations of ICT, poverty alleviation and Institutionalization of Democracy and
Right to information (RTI)
2. Establishment of ICT Resource Center and Promotion of Rural Knowledge Volunteers as primary ICT
catalyst in remote rural areas
3. Advocacy and Campaign for Bridge the Digital Divide/Information Divide/ Knowledge Divide and
Open up airwaves for Community Radio - voices for the voice-less
4. Piloting of ICT4D projects at rural areas to create show case examples for greater multiplication
through Rural Knowledge Center(RKC)
5. Establishment Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services (RACES) for Disaster Risk Reduction
through Amateur Radio Promotion
6. People's Rights in Telecommunication/ Building capacity for ICT /rural broadcast Journalist.
We would also like to express our commitment to work with you. In this backdrop, We solicit your special cooperation in this regards,
With best regards,
Bazlu
AHM. Bazlur Rahman-S21BR
Chief Executive Officer
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication(BNNRC)
& Member, Strategy Council
UN-Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UN GAID)
House: 13/1, Road:2, Shaymoli, Dhaka-1207
Post Box: 5095, Dhaka 1205 Bangladesh
Phone: 88-02-9130750, 88-02-913850101711881647
Fax: 88-02-9138501-105
E-mail: ceo@bnnrc.net, bnnrc@bd.drik.netwww.bnnrc.net
Issuing final approval of Community Radio within the term of the non-party Caretaker Government to Ensure Development and Good Governance.
23 December 2008
To
Dr Fakhruddin Ahmad
Hon'ble Chief Advisor
Non-party Caretaker Government,
The People’s Republic of Bangladesh
Subject: Issuing final approval of Community Radio within the term of the non-party Caretaker Government to Ensure Development and Good Governance.
Dear Sir,
Greetings from Bangladesh NGOs’ Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC).
For your sincere active cooperation, Ministry of Information formulated Community Radio Installation, Broadcasting and Operation Policy 2008. Having prepared a complete pro-people policy for the first time in Bangladesh, the People’s Republic of Bangladesh has already been widely appreciated by local, national and international bodies.
In order to commemorate the day of the community radio policy announcement, we have taken initiative of observing 12 March every year as Community Radio Day in a befitting manner.
Later in a meeting of the National Regulatory Committee on Community Radio Installation, Broadcasting and Operation held on 15 July 2008, 116 out of 200 applications have been primarily selected and sent to the Home Ministry and Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) respectively for the security certificate and frequency allocation approval.
We have come to know that the approval for frequency allocation from BTRC has already reached Ministry of Information. Ministry of Information is now waiting for the police verification report.
In the meantime, Community Radio Academy has been established with the view to building up capacity on community radio operation of the initiators. Under the initiatives of the academy, training workshops, round table, seminar etc are being organized incessantly.
We believe that if the approval is given just now, at least 50/60 Community Radio stations can run smoothly with their adequate skills, readiness and human resources in the rural level across the country.
Therefore, we humbly request you to pay a kind very urgent instruction in issuing final approval for Community Radio within the tenure of the non-party caretaker government to ensure Good Governance and Development.
Sincerely Yours,
AHM Bazlur Rahman-S21BR
Chief Executive Officer
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC)
and Member, Strategy Council,
United Nations Global Alliance for ICT and Development
To
Dr Fakhruddin Ahmad
Hon'ble Chief Advisor
Non-party Caretaker Government,
The People’s Republic of Bangladesh
Subject: Issuing final approval of Community Radio within the term of the non-party Caretaker Government to Ensure Development and Good Governance.
Dear Sir,
Greetings from Bangladesh NGOs’ Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC).
For your sincere active cooperation, Ministry of Information formulated Community Radio Installation, Broadcasting and Operation Policy 2008. Having prepared a complete pro-people policy for the first time in Bangladesh, the People’s Republic of Bangladesh has already been widely appreciated by local, national and international bodies.
In order to commemorate the day of the community radio policy announcement, we have taken initiative of observing 12 March every year as Community Radio Day in a befitting manner.
Later in a meeting of the National Regulatory Committee on Community Radio Installation, Broadcasting and Operation held on 15 July 2008, 116 out of 200 applications have been primarily selected and sent to the Home Ministry and Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) respectively for the security certificate and frequency allocation approval.
We have come to know that the approval for frequency allocation from BTRC has already reached Ministry of Information. Ministry of Information is now waiting for the police verification report.
In the meantime, Community Radio Academy has been established with the view to building up capacity on community radio operation of the initiators. Under the initiatives of the academy, training workshops, round table, seminar etc are being organized incessantly.
We believe that if the approval is given just now, at least 50/60 Community Radio stations can run smoothly with their adequate skills, readiness and human resources in the rural level across the country.
Therefore, we humbly request you to pay a kind very urgent instruction in issuing final approval for Community Radio within the tenure of the non-party caretaker government to ensure Good Governance and Development.
Sincerely Yours,
AHM Bazlur Rahman-S21BR
Chief Executive Officer
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC)
and Member, Strategy Council,
United Nations Global Alliance for ICT and Development
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication(BNNRC) run campaign and seek dialogues with the Bangladeshi government to get waiver on radio/TV l
Campaign to Waive the Radio/TV License Fees in Bangladesh Campaign Summary:A rumor was spread over the country that the Joint forces have been examining the license of radio and television after formation of the new Care taker Government and declaration of Emergency Power Rule. Whether the people could not show the license, the forces are taking the radio and televisions forcefully or breaking those. There were several news on this published in the National dailies and broadcasted over the channels. BNNRC has been making dialogues with the government since a long time to waive the fees of license of Radio and TV.
Objectives: - To leave the license fees of radio and TV in the changing situation.- To formulate a convergence policy regarding the use of information & communication technology (ICT), telecommunication, Broadband, Cable TV including radio and television and also - To establish people’s rights in mass media. The Story:At present, a citizen of Bangladesh has to pay Taka. 450 ($ 6.7) and Taka. 20 per year for using TV and Radio respectively. Besides, it was not clear to the concern departments of Government, users or to civil society what the Government wants through different circulations, which were circulated in time to time. Some of them said that those who make license since 2000, they do not need to pay. Another parts said that those who paid license fee during buying TV/Radio, they also not to need to do license. Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) talked to many officers of many departments but did not get any clear guideline over this. So, the rumor spread over the country. In this context, a young pro-people journalist Mr. Shawkat Milton, Staff Reporter of ATN - Bangla requested Mr. AHM Bazlur Rahman, of BNNRC to give an expert opinion on this regard for ATN Bangla prime news.AHM Bazlur Rahman commented:
1.According to the Wireless Telegraphy Act of 1933 and 1970 the Government is now collecting Radio/TV using fees.
2.But when the government took that decision, then there was no other media except Government own Radio and TV.
3.Due to globalisation, there are many commercial and community based broadcasting systems have been operating in the country; it does not have any logic to collect license fees from the people. Because, the people are now watching/ listening private channels and private radios as like as NTV, ATN -Bangla, Channel
1, Channel I, Bangla Vision, Baishakhi, RTV, Radio Furti, Radio Today etc. So there is no reason to take license fee only for Watching Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Radio.
4.Besides, TV/Radio can be watched or heard by using ICT e.i. Computer, Laptop, Mobile Phone.
5.Firstly, it is not logical to take license fees. Secondly, if the Government wants to take license fees, then it should be divided among the fees Public Broadcasting system, Commercial Broadcasting system and also Community Broadcasting system.Outcomes:After broadcasting the interview of Mr. AHM Bazlur Rahman, The CEO of BNNRC in ATN Bangla, more than 100 phone calls have been received from the civil society of the country. The interview was highly appreciated by different level of society. A Press Note was circulated on that night from the Press Information Department of the Government and also it demanded that no this type of responsibility was given to the Joint forces. It was requested in the press note to hand-over to the police if anybody again go to examine the license. - This was given highly importance in the Advisory Council’s meeting also. Besides this, an amount has to pay by the buyers at the time of buying Radio/TV. They recommended fixing it for once a time.
Those who bought radio/TV already in the mean time, they should be waived from license fees. The Character:-ATN-Bangla played a pro-people responsible role broadcasting the report on such public interest related in appropriate time. -Through an interview, RAB requested not to believe the rumor. They also informed that RAB is not involved with this.-The Advisory Council to the Care-taker Government considered it as a very important people’s agenda.
End of the Story:According to vision of Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) the license system of Radio/TV is an obstacle to Right to Information of the general people. BNNRC hope, Government will free the people from the burden of license fee and will remove the existing information divide between urban and rural area. Government will build a knowledge based society what he promised earlier through WSIS action plan. BNNRC will lead the campaign in future again.
Objectives: - To leave the license fees of radio and TV in the changing situation.- To formulate a convergence policy regarding the use of information & communication technology (ICT), telecommunication, Broadband, Cable TV including radio and television and also - To establish people’s rights in mass media. The Story:At present, a citizen of Bangladesh has to pay Taka. 450 ($ 6.7) and Taka. 20 per year for using TV and Radio respectively. Besides, it was not clear to the concern departments of Government, users or to civil society what the Government wants through different circulations, which were circulated in time to time. Some of them said that those who make license since 2000, they do not need to pay. Another parts said that those who paid license fee during buying TV/Radio, they also not to need to do license. Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) talked to many officers of many departments but did not get any clear guideline over this. So, the rumor spread over the country. In this context, a young pro-people journalist Mr. Shawkat Milton, Staff Reporter of ATN - Bangla requested Mr. AHM Bazlur Rahman, of BNNRC to give an expert opinion on this regard for ATN Bangla prime news.AHM Bazlur Rahman commented:
1.According to the Wireless Telegraphy Act of 1933 and 1970 the Government is now collecting Radio/TV using fees.
2.But when the government took that decision, then there was no other media except Government own Radio and TV.
3.Due to globalisation, there are many commercial and community based broadcasting systems have been operating in the country; it does not have any logic to collect license fees from the people. Because, the people are now watching/ listening private channels and private radios as like as NTV, ATN -Bangla, Channel
1, Channel I, Bangla Vision, Baishakhi, RTV, Radio Furti, Radio Today etc. So there is no reason to take license fee only for Watching Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Radio.
4.Besides, TV/Radio can be watched or heard by using ICT e.i. Computer, Laptop, Mobile Phone.
5.Firstly, it is not logical to take license fees. Secondly, if the Government wants to take license fees, then it should be divided among the fees Public Broadcasting system, Commercial Broadcasting system and also Community Broadcasting system.Outcomes:After broadcasting the interview of Mr. AHM Bazlur Rahman, The CEO of BNNRC in ATN Bangla, more than 100 phone calls have been received from the civil society of the country. The interview was highly appreciated by different level of society. A Press Note was circulated on that night from the Press Information Department of the Government and also it demanded that no this type of responsibility was given to the Joint forces. It was requested in the press note to hand-over to the police if anybody again go to examine the license. - This was given highly importance in the Advisory Council’s meeting also. Besides this, an amount has to pay by the buyers at the time of buying Radio/TV. They recommended fixing it for once a time.
Those who bought radio/TV already in the mean time, they should be waived from license fees. The Character:-ATN-Bangla played a pro-people responsible role broadcasting the report on such public interest related in appropriate time. -Through an interview, RAB requested not to believe the rumor. They also informed that RAB is not involved with this.-The Advisory Council to the Care-taker Government considered it as a very important people’s agenda.
End of the Story:According to vision of Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) the license system of Radio/TV is an obstacle to Right to Information of the general people. BNNRC hope, Government will free the people from the burden of license fee and will remove the existing information divide between urban and rural area. Government will build a knowledge based society what he promised earlier through WSIS action plan. BNNRC will lead the campaign in future again.
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