—Musharraf Tansen—

In a world overflowing with digital content, the very idea of public interest media may sound outdated. Yet, for countries like Bangladesh, where media ownership is increasingly concentrated, trust in news outlets is wavering, and disinformation spreads unchecked, the role of a credible, inclusive, and accessible public service broadcaster is more critical than ever. This is where Bangladesh Betar, the country’s national radio, deserves a fresh re-examination.

Public interest media, whether in the form of national broadcasters, community radio, or independent news agencies, is rooted in a simple principle: serving citizens, not shareholders or political masters. It aims to provide fact-based, inclusive, and accessible information that strengthens democracy, ensures accountability, and reflects the diversity of a nation.

Globally, institutions like the BBC in the UK, NPR in the US, and ABC in Australia demonstrate how public service broadcasting can evolve while maintaining editorial independence and trust. In contrast, Bangladesh’s media landscape remains entangled in commercial pressures, partisan influences, and urban-centric narratives. Amid this, Bangladesh Betar holds the unique potential to anchor a national conversation in the public interest.

Bangladesh Betar has been part of the country’s history and identity since before independence. Its broadcasts carried the voice of freedom fighters and rallied people during the Liberation War of 1971. For decades, Betar connected rural communities to the national discourse, delivered agricultural advice, promoted education, and entertained households with music, drama, and storytelling.

Reimagining Bangladesh Betar as a 21st-century public interest broadcaster requires bold reforms and creative thinking. A critical opportunity lies in digital transformation, where Betar can evolve from a traditional radio service into a modern multimedia platform. By developing user-friendly mobile apps, streaming services, and podcasts, Betar can connect with younger audiences and diaspora communities who primarily consume content online. This shift would not only expand its reach but also future-proof its relevance in a rapidly changing media landscape.

Equally important is community engagement. Bangladesh Betar can strengthen partnerships with community radio stations across the country to co-create hyper-local content in regional dialects. Such collaboration would ensure that the broadcaster reflects the cultural and linguistic diversity of Bangladesh while empowering local communities to tell their own stories.

To safeguard independence, Betar should embrace public oversight through the establishment of an independent board. This board-comprising representatives from civil society, academia, and citizens-would serve as a mechanism for accountability and transparency while protecting the broadcaster from political interference.

Another area of renewal is content innovation. Moving beyond state-centric news, Betar has the potential to produce programs that address the pressing issues of our time, including climate change, youth development, gender equality, and civic education. These themes resonate deeply with the next generation and would strengthen Betar’s position as a credible and socially relevant institution.

Finally, Betar’s unparalleled nationwide coverage gives it a unique role in emergency communication. By leveraging its infrastructure, the broadcaster could serve as the backbone of disaster risk communication in a climate-vulnerable country like Bangladesh. In times of crisis, Betar can provide reliable, timely, and life-saving information to communities across the nation.

The task ahead is not to preserve Betar for nostalgia’s sake, but to reinvent it as a platform that belongs to the people, not just the state. Public interest media is not a luxury; it is a democratic necessity. For Bangladesh, ensuring that its national broadcaster thrives in the digital age is a test of its commitment to transparency, accountability, and social cohesion.

Bangladesh Betar can still matter-but only if we let it evolve from being a state organ into a true public service institution. The airwaves belong to the people, and Betar must rise again to serve them.

———————————————————————————

The writer is a Doctoral Researcher at the University of Dhaka