Dhaka: Adviser for Information and Broadcasting, Environment, Climate Change and Water Resources Syeda Rizwana Hasan today emphasized the need for Bangladesh Television (BTV) to evolve into a channel that serves the entire population of 180 million people in the country. She stressed that public expectations from BTV are high and that all its programming must align with the people's demands and current needs.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rizwana Hasan made these remarks during a view exchange meeting with BTV officials and employees at the BTV auditorium in the city's Rampura area. The event was attended by BTV Director General Md. Mahbubul Alam and Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Md. Yasin. Rizwana Hasan highlighted that BTV is not just a television channel but a witness of history and a bearer of national heritage, underscoring the need to rebuild and revitalize it.
The adviser outlined several directives to make BTV more people-friendly and relevant to the times. She stressed the importance of maintaining strict neutrality in view of the upcoming national elections and referendum, ensuring no political bias is displayed. Modernization was highlighted as crucial for BTV's survival in the competitive media market, with a call for more creative programming and news presentations to meet changing audience demands.
Rizwana Hasan also mentioned the necessity of filling vacant positions to enhance the channel's dynamism and ensuring the optimal use of the budget through timely implementation of the annual procurement plan. The adviser called for capacity building of BTV employees through proper training and advised the preparation of a 'Smart Charter of Demand' to be implemented by the next government.
Director General Md. Mahbubul Alam, speaking on the occasion, proposed the establishment of a dedicated social media wing at BTV. He suggested this wing should engage young people on a contractual basis, alongside regular staff, to produce timely and relevant content. Officials from BTV and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting were present at the event, after which the adviser toured the BTV newsroom, studios, control panels, and library.