The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has allocated the radio spectrum 99.00 FM for the 19th community radio station in the country, to be set up in Cox’s Bazar and named Community Radio Saikat 99.00 FM.
The initiative for the community-based radio station was undertaken by the Coastal Association for Social Transformation Foundation (COAST Foundation), said a press release issued on Wednesday.
The rural, disadvantaged and marginalized people of Cox’s Bazar will be able to discuss their issues, set a local agenda and amplify their voice through Community Radio Saikat, it added.
Community Radio Saikat 99.00 FM will contribute to promoting sustainable eco-tourism in Cox’s Bazar, which is home to the longest sea beach in the world, the released read.
Currently there are 18 community radio stations in Bangladesh on air that broadcast around 200 hours of programs per day.
Some 1,000 young men and women are involved as broadcasters in these stations.
Community radio stations could become popular in rural Bangladesh with an approximate audience number of 6.6 million.
They have made an opening for exchange of dialogue between local elected representatives, the government and NGO officials for establishing good governance, social debate, inclusion and preservation of cultural diversity by ensuring the inclusion of marginalized communities.
Community radio stations are now able to play a more active role in disaster risk reduction and climate change due to the establishment of an effective linkage between government departments and local or rural communities.
