Bangladesh’s state radio Betar has been criticised for alleged mismanagement, irregularities and corruption.

Local publication Prothom Alo says that while the broadcaster – along with Bangladesh TV – was very popular in the eighties, more recently political considerations have affected its decision-making and programming output.

Prothom Alo claims also blames inefficiency and incompetence for the companies failure to modernise.

Although the present government vowed to grant autonomy to radio and TV when it was previously in power, there has been little achieved, says the paper.

Prothom Alo questioned the government for taking credit for the approval of private radio and TV channels while state assets which run on public money are in a dismal state.

It also demanded the state broadcasters be made accountable and asked for a thorough inquiry into allegations of inefficiency.