Bangladesh marked a historic milestone with the launch of Radio Padma, the country’s first community radio station, officially going on air on 7 October 2011. The station was inaugurated by the then Minister for Information and Culture, Mr. Abul Kalam Azad, at Rajshahi Medical College Auditorium, where the broadcasting license was handed over to Mr. G.M. Martuza, Chief Coordinator of Radio Padma.
The inauguration, organized by the Centre for Communication and Development (CCD) with support from the Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC), was attended by government officials, Members of Parliament, development partners, media professionals, and civil society representatives.
Speaking at the event, the Minister highlighted the vital role of community radio in promoting Digital Bangladesh, improving access to information, empowering rural communities, and strengthening transparency, education, health, agriculture, and local development.
The launch of Radio Padma marked the beginning of community broadcasting in Bangladesh. Following the government’s approval of 14 community radio initiatives, the country entered a new era of participatory media, giving local communities a stronger voice in development and social change.
