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18 January 2025

Six Decades of BTV

A celebratory journey, milestones

Artainment Desk

Published: 03:24, 25 December 2023

A celebratory journey, milestones

Photo : Collected

Bangladesh Television (BTV) holds the prestigious distinction of being the world's first Bengali language television network. As it approaches its remarkable 60th anniversary on December 25, having traversed an illustrious 59-year journey, this national media institution prepares to celebrate this significant milestone with vibrant and ceremonious events.

The esteemed members of the BTV family are gearing up to commemorate this historic occasion with an array of colourful ceremonies, marking six decades of pioneering broadcasting excellence in the Bengali language.

The forthcoming celebration of BTV’s 60th anniversary will be graced by the esteemed presence of Dr. Hasan Mahmud, the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, who will honour the occasion as the chief guest. Adding to the significance of this momentous event, Md. Humayun Kabir Khondkar, the senior secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, will also be in attendance as a distinguished special guest.

The disclosure regarding the esteemed guests and the planned festivities for Bangladesh Television's 60th anniversary was shared by Mahfuza Akhtar, the General Manager of BTV's Dhaka Centre.

Furthermore, it has been revealed that a splendid cultural programme and a gathering of artists and well-wishers have been meticulously organised to take place at the BTV premises. This gathering is set to be a momentous occasion, celebrating not only the network's illustrious history but also fostering a space for creative expression and camaraderie among artists and supporters alike.

Reknowned artists will grace the celebration as Farida Parveen, Rafiqul Alam, Naqeeb Khan, Nishita Bara, Anupama Mukti, Rajeev, Salma, and the band 'Chirkut' will captivate the audience with their melodious performances. Additionally, the event will feature captivating dance programmes directed by Warda Rehab and Ivan Shahriar Sohag, promising to enchant the audience with their choreographic brilliance.

The special episode of the music show 'Ajker Sokal' after the 8 a.m. news will feature live performances by talented artists Anima Roy and Ayesha Zebin Deepa, promising a soulful start to the celebratory day. Following this, an engaging segment involving painters' drawings and live discussions will take place after the noon news, with the presence of Keramat Mawla, Rafiqunnabi, and Abdul Mannan, offering a unique artistic perspective.

At 3 p.m., viewers can anticipate a live special programme titled 'BTV Natoker Ekal Sekal'. This programme will showcase discussions featuring M. Hamid, Dolly Johur, Abdul Mannan, Ronak Hasan, Swagata, and Brindavan Das, presented by Piyush Banerjee, offering insights and engaging conversations.

Additionally, the day's schedule includes song compilations from renowned music artists, magazine programmeme compilations, a documentary programmeme titled ‘From DIT to Rampura’, remembrances, and heartfelt greetings. These segments will be aired throughout the day, contributing to the rich tapestry of content celebrating BTV's milestone anniversary.

Dr. Md. Jahangir Alam, Director General of Bangladesh Television (BTV), extended his heartfelt congratulations to the dedicated staff, valued advertisers, and cherished viewers of BTV on the momentous occasion of its 60th anniversary.

It's noteworthy that BTV embarked on its pioneering journey from the ground floor of the former DIT building in Dhaka on December 25, 1964. Following Bangladesh's independence, BTV commenced operations as a government institution, marking its inception just a year after the birth of the nation.

A significant milestone in BTV's history occurred on February 9, 1975, when it transitioned from the DIT building to its dedicated premises in Rampura. This relocation was executed under the visionary guidance of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. His directive to enhance BTV's capabilities led to the integration of modern technology into its facilities, solidifying its position as a cutting-edge broadcasting institution. This move symbolised a pivotal moment in BTV's evolution, enabling the channel to embrace advancements and cater to the growing demands of a rapidly changing media landscape.

In 1980, Bangladesh Television (BTV) heralded a transformative era by introducing colour screens, significantly enhancing the viewing experience for its audience. Since then, BTV has continued to evolve and adapt to technological advancements, expanding its reach and accessibility to audiences across various platforms.

Currently, BTV broadcasts reach viewers through multiple mediums, including HD (high definition), terrestrial, satellite, and mobile applications. This widespread availability ensures that BTV's content is accessible to audiences at their doorsteps and on-the-go, catering to the diverse preferences of modern viewers.

Messenger/Shahin