The Chittagong Centre of Bangladesh Television yesterday started airing its six-hour daily programme.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina through videoconference inaugurated it from the Gono Bhaban.

Information Minister Hasnul Haq Inu was present at the inaugural programme in the port city's deputy commissioner's office.

On December 19,1996, the TV centre started its journey with one-and-a-half-hours programme.

From now on, the TV channel will feature the culture, heritage, history, business and life style of Chittagong, Chittagong Hill Tracts, Cox's Bazar, Noakhali, Comilla, and Sylhet division.

People of 11 districts, including those of hill tracts area, can enjoy the channel.

Housing Minister Mosharraf Hossain, former and incumbent Chittagong City Corporation mayors ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury and AJM Nasir Uddin respectively were present at the ceremony.

While inaugurating the six hours of regional programming, Hasina said the government has been working for the expansion of the media both in public and private sectors to ensure the free flow of information, reported UNB.

"The free flow of information is essential to develop an improved and time-befitting social system in the country," she said.

"Bangladesh Television always tries to discharge its responsibilities to the people rather than making a profit," she said, adding that education-oriented programmes can be aired on BTV which might not be possible with private television channels.

Hasina said the government has taken necessary steps to continue the expansion of electronic media, particularly television and radio stations.

She, however, stressed the need for broadcasting more programmes to create mass awareness about education and other pro-people issues.

Hasina said various state-run organisations like Bangladesh Betar, BTV, NIMC, PIB, DFP, Bangladesh Films and Television Institute and BFDC were working to provide information and entertainment to people as well as promote the country's own culture and tradition.

She hoped the Chittagong BTV would be able to promote local culture more easily following the extension of its broadcast time.

She mentioned that the government so far gave approval to 32 TV channels, of which 23 are in operation.