DHAKA: State minister for information Tarana Halim invited private TV channels to take service of the Bangabandhu-I satellite after successful launch and test operation or operational test or placement into orbit.

The minister made the urge while speaking to reporters at the secretariat on Wednesday (September 12).

Tarana Halim said, “Bangabandhu-1 satellite began its operational test with the broadcast of South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) championship without any technical issues. BTV broadcast it live with the spectrum. Through BTB, Channel-9 is showing it.”    

”So far, we have been broadcasting from BTV Asia SAT through downlink. We realized, it requires tender invitation, and the process is very lengthy. We can now avoid these processes directly,” she said

“We can use Asia SAT and Bangabandhu-1 satellite on equal terms as long as we have the contract with the Asia SAT,” she added.

The fact that BTV is using this satellite, because BTV has towers in 16 districts. I invite private TV channels to use it (satellite) after taking spectrum of Bangabandhu-1 satellite.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Submarine Cable Company Limited (BSCCL) said Bangabandhu-1 satellite is capable to provide service to all satellite TV operators.  All TV channels are requested to contact BSCCL to take service of Bangabandhu-1 satellite.

If all public and private TV channels use spectrum of Bangabandhu-1 satellite, country's money will remain in the country. This is our responsibility as good citizens, she said.

BDST: 1708 HRS, SEP 12, 2018

AH