Role of Community Radio in implementing Right To Information in Bangladesh

An opinion sharing meeting on “the role of Community Radio in implementing RTI” was held today on 28^th February, 2011, at 11 a.m. in Information Commission Office at Sher-e-Bangla-Nagar, Agargaon, Dhaka. The meeting was jointly organized by Information Commission and Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC).

Former Ambassador and present Chief Information Commissioner Mr. Mohammad Zamir attended as the chief guest of the program.02 Information Commissioners –Mr.MA Taher and Dr.Sadeka Halim along with 14 licensed Community Radio Initiators from different parts of the country joined the meeting. Mr.AHM Bazlur Rahman, CEO, BNNRC described the background and presented the latest progress situation of the Community Radio installation of the country.

Chief Election Commissioner told in his speech that Community Radio could be an effective media for the people. So, it should get country-wide coverage .Community Radio contents should reflect the common aspects keeping the area-wise diversity as well .He told that this will also open up sectors of cooperation within the CR Initiators.

Professor Dr.Sadeka Halim, Information Commissioner told that community radio can be one of the best media in implementing the vision of “Digital Bangladesh”.  Community Radio has got immense potential in this respect. We have been informed that BNNRC has drafted a “CR Code of Conduct”-this Code of Conduct should be finalized in compliance with CR Policy of the govt.Information Commission may provide all kinds of supports in this respect.

Mr.MA Taher, Information Commissioner told in his speech that community radio will amplify the voices of the rural people .Community Radio may play effective role in ensuring Right to Information. Information Commission and CR Initiators will work closely for achieving this objective.

Among others –Ashik Ahmed from Proyash Manobik Unnayan Sangstha, Dr.Jahangir Alam, Krishi Thathya Service, Arifur Rahman, YPSA, Kamrul Hasan Manju, Executive Director, MMC, Sabrina Sharmin, RDRS and Shamima Akhtar of ESHO delivered their speech and reiterated their commitment for effective role of community Radio in implementing RTI.A total of 46 participants participated in the meeting.