Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) is promoting the advocacy with the government in relations to community radio with other organizations since its emergence in 2000 to open-up the Community Radio in Bangladesh to address critical social issues at community level, such as poverty, social exclusion, empowerment of marginalized rural groups and catalyze democratic process in decision making and ongoing development efforts.

As a result, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh acknowledged the importance of community radio and announced the Community Radio Installation, Broadcast & Operation Policy. Bangladesh is the 2nd country in South Asia in formulating policy for Community Radio.

Community Radio stations are going to full transmission in Bangladesh. 14 stations are pioneering to be on-air, aiming to ensure empowerment and right to information for the rural community. Community Radio Padma 89.20 Rajshahi district, Community Radio Pallykantha 99.20 of  Moulvibazar district Community Radio Lokobetar 89.20 of Barguna district,and Community Radio Nalta 89.20 of Satkhira district has started full transmission.

Other 07 Stations namely Community Radio Chilmari 99.20  Chilmari Upazila, Kurigram district, Community Radio Radio Mukti 99.20 of Bogra district, Community Radio Barendra 99.20 of Naogaon district, Community Radio Mahananda 98.80 of Chapai-Nawabganj district, Community Radio Jhinuk 99.20 of Jhinedah district, Community Rural Radio Krishi Radio 98.8 of Amtali Upazila of Barguna district, Community Radio Sagargiri 99.20 of Sitakunda, Chittagong district  have started test transmission.

The rest three stations namely Community Radio Naf 99.20 of Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar district, Community Radio Bikrampur  99.20 Munshiganj district and Community Radio Sundarban 98.80 of  Koyra, Khulna district have done all the prepare to go on test broadcasting.

5^th Knowledge Sharing Workshop on Community Radio in Bangladesh, which will be held at conference room, JATRI- Journalism Training & Research Initiative, T.K. Bhaban, Level 12 13 Karwan Bazar,  Dhaka 1215, on 22 December 2011 at 10: 00 AM.

Mr. Aminul Islam, Joint Secretary- Broadcasting and Secretary, National Regulatory Committee on Community Radio of Ministry of information has kindly consented to be

present as Chief Guest in the workshop.