Youth and Sports State Minister Md. Aminul Haque on Tuesday said all uncertainties surrounding the broadcast of the FIFA World Cup in Bangladesh have been resolved as football fans across the country will be able to enjoy the tournament through Bangladesh Television (BTV) and other rights-holding platforms.
He also said the government has planned to arrange live screenings of World Cup matches on giant screens at key locations in Dhaka and other parts of the country for the convenience of football loving people.
The state minister made the remarks while addressing a press briefing on the FIFA World Cup broadcast in Bangladesh at the Press Information Department (PID) conference room at the Secretariat here this afternoon.
State minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Choudhury and the Prime Minister's Adviser on Information and Broadcasting Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman also spoke at the briefing and elaborated on various aspects of the broadcast arrangements.
"Bangladeshis' passion and enthusiasm for the Football World Cup are well known. A cloud of uncertainty had been created regarding the telecast of the matches over the past few days, but that has now been completely cleared," Aminul said.
"People across the country will be able to watch the World Cup through BTV and other broadcasters that have acquired the rights," he added.
Referring to the late-night and early-morning match schedules, the state minister said special measures are being taken to facilitate public viewing.
Responding to a question from journalists, he said several private companies have already contacted the government regarding the initiative.
"The matches will mostly be held at midnight or in the early hours of the morning. We have encouraged private companies to arrange public screenings, and the government will provide overall support. Large monitors and digital billboards will be installed at different locations in Dhaka and across the country to show the matches live," he said.
Highlighting the transparency of the broadcast process and the government's cost-saving approach, Aminul said the previous government had spent around Taka 100 crore to acquire World Cup broadcasting rights, whereas the current government secured the rights for Taka 47 crore through a transparent process.
He said the expenditure would be recovered through the sale of advertisement rights, resulting in significant savings of public funds.
The state minister added that the broadcast arrangements are being carried out in line with the Prime Minister's directive to ensure transparency and accountability.
He sought the cooperation of the media in informing the public about the initiative and helping football enthusiasts across the country become part of the World Cup celebration.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
