From the schedule of programmes received, it seems that the local television channels plan to broadcast run-of-the-mills programmes to celebrate Pahela Baishakh like they have over the past few years.
Typical Pahela Baishakh special plays, telefilms, phono-live concerts and live telecast of the day’s cultural programmes happening inside and outside of the capital will occupy the lion’s share of the schedule chalked out by the channels. The 23 channels will broadcast about 40 teleplays and tele-films.
Audience would also like to watch something different during the festival. ‘Telefilms, teleplays plays and concerts are common elements for Pahela Baishakh tv programmes. Colourful dance shows and classic films could add some flavour,’ revealed Farhana, a housewife living in Dhaka.
Noted Nazrul singer and general secretary of Chhayanaut, Khairul Anam Shakil said, ‘Documentary, featuring the history of the Baishakhi festival, how it used to be celebrated in the rural regions and became a part of urban life would have been worth watching. Besides, I think poem recitation apart from songs should also be included in tv programmes,’ observed Shakil.
Similar opinion was delivered by cultural activist Manzar Sweet, who revealed that the Bengali traditional elements like lathi khela, puppet shows, pala gaan, and others should be aired on Pahela Baishakh as these represent our rich heritage.
‘Over the years, channels have grown a tendency to air typical programmes; however, time has changed and now we are trying to be more diverse.’ one of the most prominent former produces of Bangladesh Television, Nawazish Ali Khan, presently an advisor to ATN Bangla told New Age. that
TV channels, on the other hand, claim that they are striving to run atypical programmes for the occasion. ‘We have chalked out a few shows that will, uphold our heritage on one hand and be entertaining on the other,’ said Zinat Zerin Aftab, head of the programme Division of SATV.
-With New Age input
