TBT DESK

Bangladesh Television (BTV), the country’s state-run broadcaster, has taken an initiative to change its logo and has already invited the public to submit new design proposals through social media. The move has sparked widespread discussion and criticism. Many viewers are finding it difficult to accept the idea of replacing BTV’s familiar logo, which has shared an emotional connection with audiences for more than four decades. From ordinary viewers to members of the cultural community, many are questioning the decision, arguing that improving BTV’s programmes, management and broadcasting standards should take priority over changing its logo.

BTV entered the era of colour broadcasting in 1980, during the government of the late President Ziaur Rahman. At the time, artist Mustafa Monwar gave BTV’s colour logo a new look. Over the past 46 years, that logo has become one of the most recognisable symbols of BTV among audiences across the country.

Kh M Harun, former deputy director general of BTV and a respected television personality, recently shared his views on the initiative to change the broadcaster’s logo on social media.

“An emotion from BTV’s golden era that still survives is its logo. The logo can certainly be made more attractive, but that should be done while preserving the historic logo,” he wrote.

He also highlighted the involvement of renowned Bangladeshi artists in the development of BTV’s current logo. According to him, “It is important to remember that the current logo bears the artistic touch of Kamrul Hasan and Mustafa Monwar. Artist Imdad Hossain played a role in creating BTV’s logo in December 1971. Later, when BTV entered the colour era in 1980, artist Mustafa Monwar redesigned the earlier logo.”

Rather than changing the logo, Kh M Harun placed greater emphasis on reforming BTV’s overall operations and management. He suggested bringing back diversity in BTV’s programming, producing new content with talented people, abolishing the so-called audition system and maintaining separate lists of established artists and performers. He also recommended reintroducing a regular TV guide based on quarterly programme planning.

He further called for filling vacant positions across all BTV channels, ensuring a corruption-free environment at every level, arranging regular training, updating artists’ remuneration structures and maintaining proper accounts of licence fees imposed on television connections and television sets.

As a public service broadcasting organisation, Harun also stressed that BTV should not become overly dependent on advertising revenue. At the same time, he suggested taking initiatives to make BTV’s website more popular and accessible.

Although BTV has transitioned from analogue to digital broadcasting in keeping with technological developments, Harun considers the failure to adequately prepare broadcasting personnel for the transition a major shortcoming.

“Many more things can be said. BTV has now moved from analogue to digital broadcasting. Technology is becoming more advanced every day. But we have failed to prepare our broadcasting personnel accordingly,” he wrote.

Meanwhile, legendary music director and composer Sheikh Sadi Khan expressed his objection to the logo change initiative in the comments section of Harun’s post.

“If you don’t do something, how will your name remain? Before undertaking this kind of new initiative, a knowledgeable committee should first be formed. Decisions should be made by giving priority to that committee’s reasoning and opinions. This is not anyone’s personal household. Instead of focusing on such ideas, attention should be given to quality programmes and building a healthy society for the welfare of the country and its people. Above all, BTV needs transparency,” he wrote.

Playwright Shakur Majid also directly questioned the initiative. Commenting on the same post, he wrote, “BTV has issued a notice to change its logo. It has not said anything about changing its character. The idea of changing the logo is an ill-considered one in the first place. Make BTV viewer-friendly first. BTV’s character can be changed without changing its logo.”

Actress Alif Alauddin also shared her reaction on social media. In a post, she directly asked, “Why does BTV need to change its logo?” Many people criticised the initiative in the comments, while artists also pointed out that the existing BTV logo carries a deep emotional significance for them.

The initiative to change BTV’s logo has therefore sparked renewed debate among cultural figures, viewers and people associated with the broadcaster. Rather than replacing a logo that represents more than four decades of history and heritage, various quarters are calling for it to be preserved while bringing meaningful changes to BTV’s programming, audience engagement and overall operations.