Bangladesh will observe the 9th UN World Radio Day 2020 at local as well as national level with participation from public service broadcasters, private broadcasters, community broadcasters and Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC).

There are 18 Community Radio Stations on-air in the country, aiming to ensure empowerment and right to information for the rural community.

They broadcast 160 hours of programming per day on information, education, local entertainment, and developmental activities in line with the promoting dialogue and participation and uniting under common concerns.

They also provide a platform for dialogue and democratic debate over issues, such as migration or violence against women, help raise awareness among listeners and inspire understanding for new perspectives in paving the way for positive action and also build tolerance and surpass the differences between various groups by uniting them under common goals and causes, like ensuring education for one’s children or addressing local health concerns of rural Bangladesh.

Around 100 women and youth are now working with these stations as rural broadcasters.

Another 14 Community Radios are set to start broadcasting very soon.

To mark WRD, Bangladesh will hold a colorful rally, seminar and cultural program with representatives from media, practitioners, civil society members, academia, administration, sports sector and delegates from different levels of the society.