Broadcasting to Be Modernized Through Ministerial Coordination

In an effort to modernize the country's broadcasting system with a focus on public interest, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology will work in tandem, with responsibilities divided under the Allocation of Business framework.

This announcement was made on Thursday, July 10, during a policy meeting on cable TV digitalization, television rating point (TRP) service provision, and over-the-top (OTT) platform regulation. The meeting was held at the conference room of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and chaired by Secretary Mahbuba Farzana.

Speaking at the session, Information and Broadcasting Advisor Md. Mahfuz Alam stated, “The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology are both involved in matters related to cable TV digitalization, TRP service provision, and OTT platforms. The responsibilities of each ministry will be determined by the Allocation of Business.”

He emphasized the need for mutual coordination and cooperation between the two ministries to ensure a timely and relevant transformation of the broadcasting system.

Also speaking at the event, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, said, “To make the broadcasting system timely and public-friendly, we must develop a technology assessment plan. The ministries will jointly decide how to include relevant stakeholders in this process.”

He further expressed hope that both ministries would be able to reach decisions on licensing, monitoring, and monetization as part of this collaborative approach.

The meeting was attended by officials from relevant departments and agencies, representatives of the Association of Television Channel Owners (ATCO), and members of the Cable Operators Association of Bangladesh (COAB).