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 in 2000 to open-up the Community Radio in Bangladesh to address critical social issues at community level, such as poverty, social exclusion, empowerment of marginalized rural groups and catalyze democratic process in decision making and ongoing development efforts.

As a result, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh acknowledged the importance of community radio and announced the Community Radio Installation, Broadcast & Operation Policy. Bangladesh is the 2nd country in South Asia in formulating policy for Community Radio. By this time, Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has already provided spectrum to 14 Community Radio Stations.

We are pleased to inform you that, rural people of Bangladesh entered into an era of community broadcasting to amplify the voices of vulnerable and marginalized groups through 14 community radio stations around the country.
Community Radio provides the local community access to information and through exchange of information, leads them towards empowerment. Empowerment is the process to link them to their rights, good governance and development process.

Community Radio stations are going to full transmission in Bangladesh.14 stations are pioneering to be on-air, aiming to ensure empowerment and right to information for the rural community.

Community Radio Padma 99.20, Rajshahi district and Community Radio Nalta 99.20 of Satkhira district, Community Radio Lokobetar 99.20 of Barguna district and Community Radio Pallykantha 99.20 of Moulvibazar district has started full transmission.

Other 07 Stations namely Community Radio Chilmari 99.20 Chilmari Upazila, Kurigram district, Community Radio Radio Mukti 99.20 of Bogra district, Community Radio Barendra 99.20 of Naogaon district, Community Radio Mahananda 98.80 of Chapai-Nawabganj district, Community Radio Jhinuk 99.20 of Jhinedah district, , Community Rural Radio Krishi Radio 98.8 of Amtali Upazila of Barguna district, Community Radio Sagargiri 99.20 of Sitakunda, Chittagong district, have started test transmission.

The rest three stations namely Community Radio Naf 99.20 of Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar district, Community Radio Bikrampur 99.20 Munshiganj district and Community Radio Sundarban 98.80 of Koyra, Khulna district have done all the prepare to go on test broadcasting.

It can be mentioned that these Radio Stations will broadcast programs, mostly in local dialect within the people living around 17 kilometers of a Station. The Programs will cover social, economic, cultural and environmental issues.

Besides, rural community will raise their voices and share their concerns to the wider audience. It will create space for public debate, dialogue and action. It will develop initiatives to address the gaps gaps and enhance participation of the marginalized in national development processes and achieve the MDGs. By keeping its non-partisan standing/position, Community Radio will play animator role within government, administrative officials, businessman and civil society members to promote democratic process in the society.

Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) is now involved in strengthening capacity of Community Radio Practitioners, Research and development and technical guidance for community radio operation.

Meanwhile, another 22 Community Radio initiators are waiting for final approval from Ministry of Information.

We invite you to support for Strengthening and Building Capacity of Community Radio initiative in Bangladesh in line with rural development.

We look forward to fruitful cooperation with all of you.

With best regards,

Bazlu
______________________
AHM. Bazlur Rahman-S21BR
[MSS in Government & Politics, Legislative Development Fellow- USA]

Chief Executive Officer
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio