The European Union (EU) will provide about 500,000 Euro for a project to strengthen community radio in Bangladesh which was formally launched on Sunday.
The European Union-funded project related to two-year programme is being implemented by the Dutch NGO Free Press Unlimited in cooperation with the Bangladesh NGO Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC).
“Bangladesh can be proud of its vibrant and capable journalist community,” said Philippe Jacques, the Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation, during the opening.
For the European Union the right to freedom of expression and also the freedom to hold opinions and receive and share information and ideas are key ingredients for the development of a strong democratic society, the official said.
“We hope that the community radio stations will play an important role in this process. Community radio is a new phenomenon in Bangladesh. The first community radio station went on air in the country in 2011,” Jacques said.
With the new project, ‘Pioneering, Connecting and Empowering Voices for Change’ a total of 20 stations allover the country will receive support in the form of training and modern equipment.
The radio stations will provide improved access to quality information, especially in rural areas.
Source: UNBConnect