<div><br></div><div>Information and Broadcasting State Minister Mohammad Ali Arafat has said Bangladesh Betar is playing a commendable role in creating public participation in the government's development initiatives for the country's progress.</div><div><br></div><div>Arafat was speaking at a discussion session held at the Bangladesh Betar Central Office in Agargaon, Dhaka, on the occasion of World Radio Day 2024, as the chief guest.</div><div><br></div><div>The junior minister said Bangladesh Betar plays a commendable role in the nation's development by fostering public engagement in these initiatives. To achieve an advanced Bangladesh, Bangladesh Betar, along with other commercial FM radios and community radios, must work tirelessly.</div><div><br></div><div>He further mentioned that in the era of technological advancement, radio faces significant challenges. Radio needs to compete with various social media platforms, which not only offer quick and affordable entertainment but also spread misinformation, rumors, and sensational news. Despite such challenges, Bangladesh Betar maintains its own standards, providing content that is objective, reliable, and dependable in both entertainment and news broadcasting, even in adversarial circumstances.</div><div><br></div><div>As this year's World Radio Day theme, "Radio across the century - Information, Entertainment, and Education spreading through radio," Arafat called upon the personnel of Bangladesh Betar, artists, and skilled individuals to continue their efforts during this time of rapid change.</div><div><br></div><div>World Radio Day was established on November 3, 2011, during the 36th General Conference of UNESCO. It has been globally observed on February 13 since 2012. Bangladesh Betar commemorated the day with a vibrant parade, listener conferences, discussions, and cultural events.</div><div><br></div><div>Rabindra Sri Barua, Director General of Bangladesh Betar, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Mohammad Humayun Kabir Khondokar, and Dr. Susan Marie Vaijes, Head of UNESCO Dhaka Office and Representative of Bangladesh, were present at the time, among others. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>