Honorable Chair of the session, Respected Panelist and Distinguish Guest & Journalist. Finally, Thanks to organizer and supporting organizations.

It is my pleasure to be here and giving me opportunity to speak. This SAARC Level Regional Community Radio Conference gives us to share experience on Community Radio related matter.

However, now 17 Community Radios are broadcasting across the country Bangladesh and more 15 are coming within short time. Bangladesh Government has plans to establish more Community Radio. For your kind information, we have formed Bangladesh Community Radio Association (BCRA) with all Community Radio initiators. The aim of the association is to strengthen Community Radio in Bangladesh as well as build-up a strong networking with regionally & globally.

Community Radio in Bangladesh is the new community based mass media and still it is in learning stage but we have learned more during this time. Community Radio is not a project, even not sectors. I thought, it is a movement for social change and economical development particularly women empowerment, youth development, access to information of hard core poor people and raise their voice. It is not easy because of still we are facing some problems, such as resource mobilization, community involvement, inadequate infrastructure & equipment, human resource, appropriate research, etc.

But we have a lot of opportunity because of positive role of our government, professionals, networking bodies and positive attitude of the community people. According to our experience, I thought it’s proved that Community Radio can play important role for social change and community development.

Therefore, I would like draw your attention to all. We need our work togetherly in regionally & internationally through partnership, building good networking, exchange sharing, joint publication for the sustainability of Community Radio in the SAARC region.

Thank you again to all. 

Syed Tarikul Islam

CEO of Community Radio Naf 99.2 FM 

General Secretary of Bangladesh Community Radio Association - BCRA 

Executive Director of Alliance for Cooperation and Legal Aid Bangladesh (ACLAB)