Officially opening the Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union's conference, Narayan Chandra Shil, Director General of the national broadcaster Bangladesh Betar, said the national broadcaster and 18 community radio stations support the government’s activities in building prosperity for Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Betar will also host the Radio Song Festival gala on the last night of the conference.

ABU Secretary General Javad Mottaghi said radio has a special place in the hearts of the Bangladesh nation, because it played such an important part in the turbulent times before independence in 1971. “It allowed people to know what was happening around them.”

Mohammad Murad Hassan, State Minister for the Ministry of Information said Bangladesh is developing rapidly. “We want to build a poverty and hunger free Bangladesh, as envisioned by the father of the nation… GDP Growth stands at 8%, the child mortality rate is declining and  the government is working to achieve the UN sustainability goals.”

Information Minister Hasan Mahmud said “radio is a perfect medium for communicaiton as it is low cost and it is everywhere.

“The national broadcaster began in 1939 and played an important role in independence in 1971. It motivated people to fight for an independent nation.”

Abdul Malek, Secretary, Ministry of Information said Bangladesh Betar has played an important part in the development of the nation.

“It has a glorious past and is now the most vibrant radio in the country. The national broadcaster has given us legendary artists and singers and has uplifted our cultural heritage… It is playing a practical role today in helping the country grow into a prosperous and corruption free country.”

The conference is accompanied by a display of radios and a showcase of local broadcasters.