Six more BTV channels on the cards

Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud said that state-owned Bangladesh Television will add six more channels, alongside the existing four, before the 12th parliamentary elections.

The minister made the disclosure after inaugurating the High Definition (HD) broadcasting of BTV at the television channel’s 57th founding anniversary on December 25.

“Bangladesh Television started its journey in 1964. It is the first Bengali language TV channel in this subcontinent and in the world. Now BTV has four channels and we are going to launch 6 more channels (under BTV) before the next parliamentary elections,” said Hasan Mahmud.

The minister said further, “A wide variety of programmes have been airing on Bangladesh Television to promote the Bengali culture. There are more plans to take BTV to the next level”.

The 57th founding anniversary celebrations of BTV and the launching of its HD broadcasting was chaired by BTV Director General Sohrab Hossain while Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud was the chief guest, Information and Broadcasting Secretary Md Mokbul Hossain and BTV former DG M Hamid were the special guests at the Dhaka centre of BTV.

In his speech, secretary Md Mokbul said, “BTV has stepped into 58th year. This TV channel has played an important role in creating an atmosphere for those who nurture the culture of Bangladesh, which is enriched with the spirit of Liberation War”.

BTV DG Sohrab Hossain said, “BTV has come a long way now. It has been airing various programmes dealing with various issues like population issues, drugs, terrorism, militancy, dowry – along with other programmes centred on information, entertainment, education, health and agriculture. On this founding anniversary, we are committed to work with more enthusiasm”.

To mark the 57th founding anniversary, a cultural event took place at the Dhaka centre of BTV which was hosted by actress Nusraat Faria. The event was attended by BTV officials and many other artistes.

During the celebrations, an art exhibition titled ‘Rangtulite Bangabandhu’ was inaugurated by the information minister at the Bangabandhu Corner of Dhaka Centre BTV.

Currently, BTV has four channels – BTV, BTV World, BTV Chattogram and Sangsad Bangladesh Television – which are available to viewers via the ‘BTV App’ as well.