The recently begun community radio project is a welcome addition to the media landscape in Bangladesh and can significantly improve voter education and social awareness in rural Bangladesh.
With 14 community radios already in operation around the country, the opportunities this initiative presents and enormous and far-reaching.
In a country with a high rate of illiteracy, radio presents the potential to deliver essential messages to a wide audience, and is perhaps the most populist form of mass communication available. It is also relatively inexpensive and most people can afford at least a basic transistor.
It will allow for a dissemination of essential information on anything from livelihood tips, weather conditions, social awareness, rights, justice, development opportunities, employment opportunities to a range of other things that can help people living in rural or remote communities become better connected. It also gives community members a platform to share their stories and talents.
Most importantly, it will encourage good governance by highlighting the responsibilities and duties of elected officials as well as administrative officers, so that a culture of accountability can be fostered where it is most needed.
The government has been tight-fisted in the past with handing out radio licenses and it’s encouraging to see that a change is finally in the air.
