Bangladeshi TV channels to be available in 78 missions

Bangladeshi television channels will be available in its 78 missions abroad paving the way for Bangladesh citizens and foreigners to watch those channels.

The government has introduced "STP Boxes" for Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) in the missions in this regard.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud jointly inaugurated the 'Demonstration and Introduction of STP (Set-Top) Boxes for Internet Protocol Television (IPTV)' at the Foreign Ministry on Wednesday, reports UNB.

Diplomat, only diplomatic affairs magazine in the country, is providing the boxes in association with the ministry.

Primarily, around 200 STP boxes will be installed in 78 foreign missions abroad. Only Bangladeshi television channels will be available in an STP box.

"Digital Bangladesh is no more a dream, rather it's a reality today," said the Information Minister mentioning the expansion of media outlets in all forms and people's access to information through technological advancement in the country.

He said Bangladeshi nationals and foreigners who visit Bangladesh missions abroad for various tasks, including visa-related issues, will be able to watch Bangladeshi channels. "This is a very good initiative."

The Information Minister, however, suggested keeping few international news channels for foreigners as the programme is set in a way so that only Bangladeshi channels can be watched.

"We'll send around 200 set top boxes for 78 mission as some missions will need to have around 3-4 set top boxes," said the foreign minister.

People there in the missions are not able to watch Bangladeshi channels. Even, missions have to prepare special arrangement during a VVIP visit for showing Bangladeshi channels, he said.

"With this technological up-gradation, Bangladeshi channels will be available in the missions. Expatriates who go to the missions for services also can watch Bangladeshi channels," said Dr Momen.

Lauding the effort, the information minister said in this era of technology, this kind of digital initiative will boost the services of Bangladesh missions abroad.