JHENIDAH. Aug 7: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today declared that the government would take immediate steps to give autonomy to state-run radio. television and news agency, reports UNB.

"The government is committed to grant autonomy to radio, television and state-owned news agency to keep them free from party Influence as it believes in free flow of in formation." she said while inaugurating Jhenidah TV relay centre here.

The relay centre has been set up on 1.36 acres of land at Gopinathpur in sadar thana at a cost of Tk 13 crore with the financial assistance of French government.

Covering 80 kilometres ra dius the relay centre will 'Wklllft BTV programmes in dheramwi-. HUShtia. de^oky Chuadanga Magura and Wbrr adjacent areas throug^its 10-kiiowatt transmitter

French government is also iiroviding financial assistance or setting up four more relay centres at Thakurgaon. Patu-akhall. Brahmanbaria and Ra Jshahi With the completion of these relay centres, entire Bangladesh will come under television network

Hasina said TV which had been turned into a propaganda machine by the past govern ments will be given autonomy to reflect thoughts and Ideas of the people.

Bangladesh Television will have to play a creative role for increasing literacy rate and spreading cultural activities by giving priority to three basic elements — education. Infor mation and entertainment, she said

A competition has been created between BTV and television channels of other countries as people are now viewing programmes of other channels through satellite, she said adding that BTV would have to capture a honourable place by improving Its production both technologically and qualitatively.

"Objectivity and neutrality in broadcasting news are to be maintained strictly," she said.

The function was also addressed by State Minister for Information Prof Abu Sayeed. Information Secretary Kazi Raqibuddin Ahmed and Director General of Bangladesh Television Shahriar Z R Iqbal.

Education Minister A S H K Sadeq was also present on the occasion.

Later, the Prime Minister unveiled the plaque and went round the relay centre. She also planted a sapling at the centre premises.