The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Media personalities at a discussion here yesterday underscored the need for formulating a time-befitting policy for public and private TV channels for ensuring development in every sphere of the society. Such a policy would effectively help TV channels perform independently without any control from any quarter, they said adding, the policy can also establish a knowledge-based society by promoting education and culture.

Bangladesh Centre for Development, Journalism and Communication (BCDJC) and Karuj Communications jointly organised the discussion on 'Boom of Television Industry in Bangladesh: Prospects and Constraints' at the Jatiya Press Club here, marking the 'World Television Day' to be observed today.

Dhaka University Professor Dr Syed Anwar Hossain, Chief Editor of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Zaglul Ahmed Chowdhury, Professor of Independent University GM Shaheed, Editor of the Borer Kagoj Shyamol Dutta, Programme Chief of ATN Bangla Nowazesh Ali Khan, its head of news Monjurul Ahsan Bulbul, columnist Shahriar Kabir, Editor of the Saptahik 2000 Golam Mortuza and Kazi Ali Reza of UNESCO spoke on the occasion. The discussion was moderated by Associate Professor of DU Robayet Ferdous.

Dr Syed Anwar Hossain said a policy guideline for regulating both the state run and private TV channels along with cable TV operators is urgently needed.

Zaglul Chowdhury said the satellite TV channels of South Asia have been enriching the education and the culture of the respective countries as well as the countries of the region. The TV channels of Bangladesh will have to perform efficiently to compete other countries of the region, he added. Shyamol Dutta said the country's TV channels are stationed in Dhaka with an urban based viewers, which should be expanded so that the rural people can watch the TV programmes and get benefit of those.

Nowazesh Ali Khan said the programmes of the TV channels should be educative side by side with IT specialisation.

Monjurul Ahsan Bulbul said the media yet to be considered as an industry and more research is required to develop the industry so it can serve the country and its people.

Shahriar Kabir said the country has achieved tremendous success in disseminating news, but did not perform well in broadcasting dramas, talk shows and other recreational programmes.

Kazi Ali Reza said quality programmes and news of the TV channels can play a significant role in creating an enlightened society.