Netherlands-based Free Press Unlimited and Children's Television Foundation of Bangladesh (CTBF) yesterday launched children's opinion-based television programme Kanastara through an event at the Ruposhi Bangla Hotel.
With the launching of the programme, Bangladesh is going to be the 11th country to be a part of Kids News Network (KNN), an international programme of Free Press Unlimited.
The title of the program – Kanastara – was derived from the word canister, which was drummed to disseminate news in the rural Bangladesh in the past, the organisers said.
The programme which aims to “create awareness about matters that impact children directly” will be broadcast on BTV at 6:30pm on Fridays and on Channel I at 5:20pm on Thursdays every week. BTV will air the first episode of the programme on June 20.
Selina Hossain, chairman of CTBF and also an eminent author, in her welcome note said the programme was a big step towards the advancement of the country, as it gives an opportunity for the unprivileged children, and thus helps make a different world.
The event was also addressed by Dessi Damianova, programme manager (South Asia) of Free press unlimited, Ruth Kronenburg, South Asian programme manager of KNN, and Henrick Van Asch Wijck, first secretary of political and economic affairs of Netherlands Embassy to Bangladesh.
Dessi Damianova said the programme was also very important for building self confidence among the large number of children of this country.
Ruth Kronenburg said it was their full commitment to the future children to free them from abuse and child labour, while Henrick Van Asch said it was another partnership with Bangladesh that again proved that Bangladesh and Netherlands have shared common love for different things throughout history.
Addressing as the chief guest, Additional Secretary AH Harunur Rashid expressed hopes that a programme like this one would take us further close to our collective dream.
Faridur Rahman, executive director of CTBF, also addressed the programme expressing the foundation’s commitment to make the program that would be truly for the children's betterment.
