United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) has launched a two-day Content Development Planning Workshop on “Community Radio and Social Media on Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) and Digital Development”. It is being held from 10–11 September at the YWCA Conference Room, Mohammadpur. The workshop brings together 18 senior programme producers and station managers from nine community radio stations, equipping them with the skills, strategies, and tools to create audience-centered programming and social media content that addresses TFGBV while fostering inclusive digital development. The nine Community Radio Stations are- Community Radio Nalta 99.2FM (Kaliganj, Satkhira) Community Radio Lokobetar 99.2FM (Barguna), Community Radio Pollikontho 99.2FM( Moulvibazar), Community Radio Sagor Giri 99.2FM (Shitakunda, Chattogram), Community Radio Chilmari 99.2FM (Chilmari, Kurigram), Community Radio Jhenuk 99.2FM (Jhenidah),Community Radio Meghna 99.0FM(Charfasion, Bhola), Community Radio Sagardwip 99.2FM(Hatya, Noakhali), Community Radio Sarabela 98.8FM (Gaibandha). The workshop was organised under the "Strengthening Resilience Against Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) & Promoting Digital Development" project. This initiative is part of the Nagorikata: Civic Engagement Fund (CEF) Programme, implemented with technical support from GFA Consulting Group, and funded by the Embassy of Switzerland and Global Affairs Canada (GAC). BNNRC launches media fellowship on enhancing Road Safety Legislation The workshop started with the welcome speech of AHM Bazlur Rahman, CEO of BNNRC. He also briefed the participants on the workshop's objectives and the expected outcomes. Rehan Uddin Raju, a development consultant, moderated the session. After the round introduction, Katharina König, deputy team leader of CEF, gave an overview of the Nagorikata: Civic Engagement Fund (CEF). She focused on the CEF objectives, key outcomes, stakeholders, the governance structure of CEF, and targeted beneficiaries. The workshop features sessions on understanding technology-facilitated gender-Based Violence, the concept of digital development and its Impact on TFGBV, laws and regulations on TFGBV and social media use, the concept of gender and its relation to development, community radio programme ideas & formats, social media I integration planning, and law enforcement mechanisms for combating TFGBV.

Community Radios have been broadcasting various programmes 160 hours a day for tackling the second wave of COVID–19 pandemic and Info-demic by following the government instructions. Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) has been exploring and sharing the updated information and materials needed by the radio stations, according to a press release. The content of the programme motivates community people to stay at home and be safe, take COVID–19 vaccine immediately, avoid gathering, wear the mask. wash hands frequently, etc. Community Radio broadcasts are a useful means to share community information, especially to the most remote populations. In rural Bangladesh, people depend on it as their primary source of information. Read Workshop on COVID-19 held for Dalits Since the lockdown is going on and the community radio stations have been broadcasting COVID-19 related programme through community service announcement (CSA) Radio Spots, Jingle, Drama, magazine, interviews of Upazila and District Corona Prevention Committee, District and Upazila Administration, and vaccination team on COVID-19 and community people’s voices too. Community Radio broadcasters are working by maintaining a close liaison with the Local Corona Committees, Communities, District, and Upazila Administration for updates. Community Radios have restricted visitors’ entry in the premises, make the security alert, monitor body temperature of broadcasters, and disinfecting equipment and other accessories frequently and regularly. The Community Radios are broadcasting programme with special emphasis to provide COVID-19 vaccine to the disadvantaged and marginalised community people and ensure government incentive package for the most vulnerable, disadvantaged, and marginalised community during the lockdown. Community people are making phone calls and sending SMS during the live broadcasting to share their queries. They are maintaining social distancing, handwashing with soap, and avoiding all public gatherings. National print and online dailies have published the initiatives that are being fostered by the community Radios to prevent the second wave of COVID–19 pandemic. BNNRC has been working for adaptation and coping with the new normal situation of COVID-19 pandemic demands and reset new objectives to enhance the capabilities of affected communities through an equity lens for adapting, coping, surviving with the new normal situation. Read Community radio stations start broadcasting on flash flood

Seven community radio stations in the northern regions of Bangladesh have started broadcasting programmes on flash flood situation to alert people to reduce loss.

A two-day workshop on 'Fellowship for Dalit Youth and Youth Women' was held virtually on June 15-16 through Zoom.