Bangladesh Television (BTV)
Bangladesh Television (BTV) is the state-run broadcaster of Bangladesh and the country’s oldest television network. Originally launched in 1964 as part of Pakistan Television in what was then East Pakistan, the station was renamed Bangladesh Television following the country’s independence in 1971. Today, BTV operates a national channel, a regional station headquartered in Chittagong, and Sangsad Television, which covers parliamentary proceedings. In 2004, it expanded its reach globally with the launch of BTV World, its international satellite service.
Media assets
Television: BTV, BTV World, BTV Chattogram, Sangsad Television
State Media Matrix Typology
Ownership and governance
BTV is a government-owned broadcasting entity under the administrative control of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Its senior management—including the Director General—is appointed by the government, which retains direct oversight over both its operational and editorial functions. The Ministry also determines BTV’s budget and strategic direction, leaving little room for institutional autonomy.
In the wake of the political upheaval that toppled the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina regime, Bangladesh embarked on a path of media sector reform. In September 2024, Information and Broadcasting Adviser Nahid Islam announced the creation of a Media Reform Commission. Among its top priorities is a proposal to transform BTV into a genuinely independent public service broadcaster, free from government control and political interference.
In June 2025, following the Media Reform Commission’s recommendations, a five-member committee chaired by Education Adviser C.R. Abrar and overseen by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus was established. Its mandate: ensure editorial and managerial autonomy for BTV and Bangladesh Betar, while also reviewing the last 15 years of media policy.
Earlier, in March 2025, the commission proposed merging BTV, Bangladesh Betar, and Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) into a unified, legally autonomous “National Broadcasting Corporation”, with independent governance and a single regulatory Media Commission.
Source of funding and budget
For decades, BTV has depended heavily on state subsidies to sustain its operations. Once financially self-reliant—reportedly deriving up to 90% of its income from advertising—BTV’s commercial revenue has been significantly eroded by the rise of private broadcasters. Although it continues to collect license fees from households, this revenue stream has proven insufficient to meet the network’s operating costs. Consequently, the government now shoulders most of BTV’s financial burden, including staff salaries and capital expenditures.
Editorial independence
BTV has long been perceived as a mouthpiece of the ruling government, with its editorial policies aligned with official narratives. The network’s own website stated that it “represents the government,” and local journalists interviewed in May 2023 confirmed that BTV avoids broadcasting any content critical of the party in power. No domestic legal framework or independent body currently guarantees BTV’s editorial autonomy.
This institutional lack of independence has drawn widespread criticism and public discontent. During the mass demonstrations of mid-2024, which culminated in the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on 6 August 2024, BTV became a flashpoint of public anger. Protesters set fire to its headquarters in Dhaka in July 2024, symbolically rejecting the network’s perceived role in state propaganda.
July 2025