State Minister for Information Prof Abu Sayeed yesterday told the Jatiya Sangsad that the government would give autonomy to Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television (BTV) after solving the relevant technical. administrative and financial problems, reports BSS.

Replying to a question of Shah Abul Hossain of BNP, the state minister said the present government is committed to granting autonomy to these two electronic media.

"We have done a lot towards this end," he said, adding that BNP had also committed to people to do so but did nothing in Ulis regard when it was in power for live years."

Prof Sayeed also told the Jatiya Sangsad that a film institute would be set up in the country by the year 2002.

'The government has taken Initiatives to develdp the film industry by setting up the proposed institute at a cost ofTk 25 crore and 30 lakh." he said replying-to a question from treasury bench member Haji Selim who raised the question on behalf of Shariful Islam Sharif of the. same party.

Prof Sayeed said the government would provide Tk 11 crore and 30 lakh while Tk 14 crore would be available as project aid.

Replying to another question from Khan Tipu Sultan of Awami League, the state minister said the proposed film institute would provide training in direction, editing, photography, sound engineering, acting, and other related areas for development of the film industry in the country.

Prof Sayeed also said that a media complex would bfe set up at Agargaon. "Necessary steps including land selection and allocation of money for purchasing the land have already been taken," he said.

Answering another question of Golam Faruq Ovi of Jatiya Party, the state minister said the Case of ATV and ATN (Bangla) television channels are not similar. He said ATN has been broadcasting its programmes after due approval of the government and within the set rules and regulations.

Besides. It is giving tax to the government. But, he said, ATV broadcast its programmes without any such approval. He. however, said the government would certainly take action if any violation on the part of ATN is found.