Bangladesh Betar's MW stations on extended schedule for cyclone Amphan

On 18th May, 2020 night, at around 2030 UTC Bangladesh Betar's MW stations were noted on extended schedule due to cyclone Amphan, carrying non stop devotional program and special weather bulletins. Heard 558, 693 and 873 at New Delhi.

Today also expected to be on extended schedule, try :

558 - Khulna
630 - Dhaka Kha
693 - Dhaka Ka
819 - Dhaka Gha
846 - Rahshahi
873 - Chittagong
963 - Sylhet
999 - Thakurgaon
1053 - Rangpur
1080 - Rajshahi
1161 - Rangamati
1170 - Dhaka Ga
1287 - Barisal
1314 - Cox's Bazaar
1413 - Comilla
1431 - Bandarban

India and Bangladesh signs MoU for airtime exchange programme between All India Radio and Bangladesh Betar

India and Bangladesh signed MoU for content/airtime exchange programme between All India Radio and Bangladesh Betar. The MoU was signed in Delhi during the visit of Bangladesh Information Minister Hasan Mahmud to India.The MoU will allow the programmes of Akashwani and Bangladesh Betar to be heard across both the countries.

With today's launch content from AIR Maitree service has started airing in Dhaka and reciprocally content from Bangladesh Betar has started airing on All India Radio in Kolkata and Tripura.   

Bangladesh Betar programmes would be available for listeners in India as per below :

Time : 0730-0930 IST, 1730-1930 IST

Via All India Radio, Kolkata FM Gold Channel on FM 100.1 MHz (20 kW)

Via All India Radio, Agartala FM Ujjwayantha on FM 101.6 MHz (10 kW)

Also through Akashvani app's and DTH.

Simultaneously, All India Radio programmes will be available for listeners in Dhaka, Bangladesh as per below :

Time : 0800-1000 BST, 1800-2000 BST

Via Bangladesh Betar, Dhaka on FM 104.0 MHz (10 kW)

Bangladesh Betar's MW stations on extended schedule for cyclone Mora

Bangladesh Betar's MW stations were on extended schedule last night due to cyclone Mora, carrying non stop devotional program & special weather bulletin every 15 minutes.

Following stations were heard at my QTH 1845 UTC onward, external service on 13580 kHz was carrying regular programs  :

558 - Khulna
630 - Dhaka Kha
693 - Dhaka Ka
819 - Dhaka Gha
873 - Chittagong
963 - Sylhet
1170 - Dhaka Ga

Related :

Cyclone Mora: North East India, Bangladesh brace for wind-speeds of 117 kmph

http://www.firstpost.com/world/cyclone-mora-north-east-india-bangladesh-brace-for-wind-speeds-of-117-kmph-all-you-need-to-know-3495891.html

Bangladesh Betar - The Story of Glory

These days, when information technology and the internet are not far from our grasp, on hearing the name "Bangladesh Betar (Betar meaning radio in Bangla)", one might ask, "Who would listen to Bangladesh Betar today?" You may contemplate that their programmes are not interesting enough for this day and age, or even term them "monotonous." However, to your surprise, there are still a large number of people who feel nostalgic on just hearing the name of the shows that used to air in Bangladesh Betar.

Full story at :

http://www.thedailystar.net/star-weekend/heritage/bangladesh-betar-the-story-glory-1365967

Bangladesh Betar to extend FM coverage

Bangladesh Betar is moving ahead with plans to widen its frequency modulation (FM) broadcasting coverage by setting up region-based FM radio bands. 

So far, a total of 32 separate FM radio bands have been set up by Bangladesh Betar. They run their shows for several hours each day. Besides the state-run bands, there are 17 private FM stations currently in operation, while the government has recently licensed 28 private organisations for FM broadcasting, which are yet to launch their operations.

Of the state-run FM bands, Dhaka station alone has eight, while Rajshahi station has four bands. Chittagong, Sylhet, Khulna and Rangpur have three bands each.

The Comilla station has two bands while Thakurgaon, Barisal, Cox's Bazar, Rangamati, Bandarbon and Jessore have one each.

Full story at :

http://www.newagebd.net/article/5803/index.php

GatesAir Awarded Second Phase of Bangladesh HD Radio Rollout

Cincinnati, OH, November 14, 2016

GatesAir, a global leader in wireless, over-the-air content delivery solutions for radio and TV broadcasters, has won phase two of Bangladesh's national HD Radio rollout. The turnkey system comprises two self-contained FM radio stations with high-efficiency GatesAir Flexiva FAX air-cooled 10kW FM transmitters, antenna systems and all auxiliary and support equipment.

Bangladesh Betar, the only national government broadcaster serving Bangladesh, awarded the contract as the first phase of the GatesAir-supported rollout moves forward. The initial phase, which covers the capital city of Dhaka, also includes two GatesAir Flexiva FAX 10kW transmitters and is targeted for completion by the end of 2016. The second phase will cover the heavily populated cities of Mymensingh and Gopalganj, with an expected on-air date of June 2017. Both projects are especially notable as the first HD Radio deployments in South Asia.

The GatesAir Exgine4 HD Radio platform, which simplifies signal flow and connectivity across the architecture, will play a central role in each system. The complete system includes GatesAir's FlexStar HDI-200 Importer and HDE-200 Exporter at the studio; and the FlexStar HDx exciter at the RF plant. The complete system supports all HD Radio program audio and program-associated data (logos, station ID information, artist/song data) over a single, bandwidth-efficient stream, with plenty of headroom to incorporate additional services in the future.

GatesAir's ability to also provide turnkey services helped to cement the phase-two contract win, according to Mr. A.K.A.M. Fazlul Hoque, Project Director at Bangladesh Betar Engineering. Along with site planning, design, integration and commissioning services, GatesAir has and will continue to provide extensive training services around system operation and transmitter maintenance both in Bangladesh and at its Quincy, Illinois manufacturing center. GatesAir recently welcomed both the Secretary, Ministry of Information Mr. Martuza Ahmed; and Mr. A.K.M. Nesar Uddin Bhuiyan, Director General, Bangladesh Betar, Dhaka, to Quincy as part of the most recent visit from the Bangladesh Betar Engineering team.

"GatesAir's professional services, reliable systems architecture and high-efficiency transmitters provide value across the project duration, and will enable us to operate a cost-efficient, low-maintenance hybrid FM and HD Radio service for a large portion of our population for many years," said Mr. Hoque. "GatesAir's bandwidth-rich HD Radio platform will also allow us to add more audio channels and data services in the future without requiring any significant additional investment in resources. Above all, their detailed planning and quick turnaround are consistent with our scheduled rollout plan. We also appreciated them welcoming Mr. Ahmed and Mr. Bhuiyan to tour the GatesAir manufacturing center to confirm product quality assurance and further strengthen the relationship between GatesAir, Bangladesh Betar and the Bangladesh Government as well."

The "low-maintenance" benefit will pay dividends for both Betar and the Bangladesh Government moving forward. In addition to the Flexiva FAX transmitter's compact footprint—a valuable asset given the limited real estate available in each RF plant—the latest-generation GatesAir Flexiva design minimizes internal parts, with common power amplifier modules and power supplies. This streamlining of parts and size also reduce weight, making single-engineer maintenance a reality for the Betar team—preserving valuable engineering resources for other needs.

(Press Release)

Bangladesh Betar MW outlets on extended schedule on 20th Feb

20 Feb 2016 - During check at 1916 UTC noticed Bangladesh Betar MW outlets were on extended schedule carrying special program, plays & songs commemorating Shahid Diwas and International Mother Language day.

Here's an audio file of Bangladesh Betar, Dhaka , 630 kHz at 2000 UTC

 

http://tinyurl.com/z4juwpl

 

 

 

GatesAir Brings HD Radio™ Broadcasting to Bangladesh

Government broadcaster Betar Engineering will be the first to launch HD Radio across the South Asia region, covering 18 million listeners with a turnkey system featuring two GatesAir Flexiva™ transmitters

Cincinnati, OH, January 07, 2016

GatesAir, a global leader in wireless, over-the-air content delivery solutions for radio and TV broadcasters, will turn on the first two HD Radio stations in South Asia in early 2016 for Betar, the national government broadcaster for Bangladesh. The HD Radio™ broadcasts, supported by two GatesAir Flexiva™ 10kW transmitters, will cover the capital city of Dhaka and surrounding regions with high-quality audio for news and entertainment.

Upon evaluating digital radio standards, Betar chose HD Radio due to its exceptional audio quality and multichannel opportunities, and selected GatesAir due to its leadership and innovation for HD Radio in the Americas and internationally. Betar additionally chose GatesAir for its ability to provide a turnkey, low-maintenance over-the-air solution under a tight deadline, as well as local sales and support — two key differentiators from competing vendors.

"Dhaka is considered the tenth largest city in the world, with a population of more than 18 million in the greater region," said Mr. Md. Abul Bashar Patwary, project director, Betar Engineering.  "We therefore required a highly reliable, easily serviceable over-the-air delivery platform to ensure consistently strong coverage across the entire region. GatesAir's ability to provide a reliable, US-made platform in a timely manner is helping us get on the air faster—and on the leading edge of digital radio."

GatesAir worked closely with Betar across site planning and system design, including all transmission, antenna, monitoring and peripheral equipment. Along with the Flexiva transmitters, the complete solution includes a GatesAir Exgine4 HD Radio platform featuring a FlexStar HDI-200 Importer and HDE-200 Exporter at the studio. In addition to program audio, this architecture allows Betar to deliver program-associated data services (logos, station ID information, artist/song title details) over a single stream to the transmitter—with plenty of bandwidth to add more program channels in the future. Signal coverage is strengthened through a higher-than-usual FM tower for Betar (250 feet as opposed to 200) and a panel antenna—the first of its kind deployed in Bangladesh.

However, Betar is especially pleased with the training opportunities and ongoing local support provided through GatesAir. Betar representatives travelled to GatesAir's Quincy, Illinois manufacturing center to receive training on the entire system, while GatesAir and local partner Resources-21 Limited will ensure Betar engineers are supported through the installation and commissioning process—and for years following the stations' launch.

"GatesAir worked closely with the Betar team to ensure the end-to-end system is specified to their exact needs in a very challenging operating environment," said Jhonny Maroun, regional sales manager for the Middle East and South Asia (MESA), GatesAir. "We are honored to be working with Betar in this historical project."

About GatesAir

GatesAir, Inc. provides complete solutions for over-the-air radio and television broadcasting, leveraging wireless spectrum to maximize performance for multichannel, mission-critical services. Powering over-the-air networks worldwide with unparalleled reliability for nearly 100 years, GatesAir's turnkey solutions enable broadcasters to create, transport and transmit radio and TV content.  With customers in more than 185 countries, the company leads the industry in innovation and design breakthroughs, improving efficiency and reducing total cost of ownership. Visit www.gatesair.com for more information, like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/gatesair, and follow us on Twitter at @GatesAir

(Press Release)

Bangladesh Betar's official website gets a facelift & new URL

Bangladesh Betar's official website has got a facelift, revamped website is now available at a new URL http://www.betar.gov.bd

 

Re-launched website has improved n' refreshingly colorful format and exciting new features and information has been added. The revamped website also offers new content like coverage maps and extensive information under Right to Information alongwith live audio streaming for AM and FM programs.

Bangladesh Betar, Barisal testing its new 20 kW DRM compatible MW transmitter

Test transmission was first noted by Pradip Kundu of Tripura on 7th Dec at around 1300 UTC playing non-stop Bengali songs by Lata Mangeshkar & Sandhya Mukherjee leading to the assumption that it was an AIR outlet. Non-stop test transmission continued next day, however they were observed playing Bengali folk songs by Habib & Runa Laila both folk singers from Bangladesh as noted by Sudipta Ghosh, Kolkata.

 

Spoke to the engineer at Bangladesh Betar, Barisal who was kind enough to take my midnight call at 1 am & discuss about the new Transradio TRAM20, 1 x 20 kW transmitter, test transmission will continue on 8th Dec and will be back to regular programming on 9th Dec. The complete system, transmitter and antenna is fully DRM compatible, they are using TRANSRADIO DRM modulator DMOD3.

 

Links :

Transradio MW Txers
http://www.transradio.de/index.php/en/tram-en/am/trampremiumclassic

Transradio DMOD3
http://www.transradio.de/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=52&lang=en&Itemid=29

Tender for replacement of existing 10 kW MW transmitter was announced during Aug 2012 ...

 

http://www.cptu.gov.bd/ShowDetailTender.aspx?ADID=29372 

Bangladesh Betar test transmission using new BE 10 kW FM transmitters

Bangladesh Betar has installed new 10 kW FM transmitters (BE FM 10S) at cities mentioned below & currently test transmissions being carried on following frequencies :

 

Dhaka..........102.0 MHz

Dhaka..........104.0 MHz

Dhaka..........106.0 MHz

Sylhet..........88.8 MHz 

Rangpur........88.8 MHz

Comilla.........103.6 MHz

Coxesbazar.....100.8 MHz

Khulna..........88.8 MHz

Noapara, Jessore 100.8 MHz

Rajshahi.......88.8 MHz

Chittagong...88.8 MHz

Barisal........105.0 MHz

 

Broadcast Electronics FM 10S transmitter product info :

 

http://www.bdcast.com/products/details/s-series/fm-10s

 

Related :

Bangladesh Betar to modernise/expand its FM services

 

Summary of a news report (in bengali) published in banglanews24.com ....

 

Here's what Director General of Bangladesh Betar, Kazi Akhtar Uddin Ahmed said while responding to reporter's queries at a cultural program organised by Radio Colony Model School, Savar, Dhaka on 26th Jan 2013 :

 

- At present Bangladesh Betar has 13 FM transmitters of 1, 2 & 5 kW

 

- By next month 12 FM transmitters of 10 kW (BE FM 10S 10 kW solid-state) will be started/replaced at different places.

 

- During next 2 months 6 more FM transmitters of 10 kW will be on air.

 

- Bangladesh Betar transmissions will be gradually converted from analog to digital in the coming years.

 

Source :  http://tinyurl.com/alx6nql

 

Thanks to Nazmus Sadat via IDXCI Facebook group for sharing this link.

http://www.facebook.com/groups/idxcintl/

 

Locations :

 

Barishal (Planned)

Chittagong ( Existing 2 kW)

Comilla (existing 2 kW)

Cox's Bazar (Planned)

Dhaka (Planned)

Jessore (Planned)

Khulna ( existing 1 kW)

Rajshahi (existing 1/5 kW)

Rangpur (existing 1 kW)

Sylhet (existing 1 kW)

 

Excerpt from Bangladesh Betar website :

 

Introduction of Country wide FM Broadcast Network in Bangladesh Betar (1st Phase)

 

Objectives of the project:

 

- To establish countrywide FM Broadcasting Network throughout the whole country for high quality and noise free reception on cheap radio receivers satisfying the listener's needs.

- In order to transmit attractive and harmonious program to the remote corner of Bangladesh

- In order to motivate and inspire mass people to take part in present day nation building activities, such as Poverty alleviation/ Poverty reduction, Population Control, Farm Broadcast, adult Education, Promotion of Cultural Heritage and other development activities.

- With the advancement of modern technology, FM becomes increasingly popular because of high quality, less cost and easy in handing.

- Using modern digital studio equipment and proposed FM network. Bangladesh Betar will be able to radiate noise interference free, clear high fidelity, CD quality program, thereby satisfying the audience needs.

 

Location : Dhaka, Chittagong, Comilla, Cox's Bazar, Khulna, Jessore, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Sylhet and Barishal .

Project Cost (in lakh) : GOB TK. 2356.25 including foreign expenditure TK 1724.45

Expected date of completion : December, 2012

 

Related Link :

 

Broadcast Electronics (BE) awarded large transmitter contract by Bangladesh Government Radio

 

http://www.bdcast.com/information-center/company-news/14

 

---

Alokesh Gupta

New Delhi

 

Bangladesh Betar to modernise/expand its FM services

Summary of a news report (in bengali) published in banglanews24 dot com

 

Here's what Director General of Bangladesh Betar, Kazi Akhtar Uddin Ahmed said while responding to reporter's queries at a cultural program organised by Radio Colony Model School, Savar, Dhaka on 26th Jan 2013 :

 

- At present Bangladesh Betar has 13 FM transmitters of 1, 2 & 5 kW

 

- By next month 12 FM transmitters of 10 kW (BE FM 10S 10 kW solid-state) will be started/replaced at different places.

 

- During next 2 months 6 more FM transmitters of 10 kW will be on air.

 

- Bangladesh Betar transmissions will be gradually converted from analog to digital in the coming years.

 

Source :  http://tinyurl.com/alx6nql

 

Thanks to Nazmus Sadat via IDXCI Facebook group for sharing this link.

http://www.facebook.com/groups/idxcintl/

 

Locations :

 

Barishal (Planned)

Chittagong ( Existing 2 kW)

Comilla (existing 2 kW)

Cox's Bazar (Planned)

Dhaka (Planned/Installed ?)

Jessore (Planned)

Khulna ( existing 1 kW)

Rajshahi (existing 1/5 kW)

Rangpur (existing 1 kW)

Sylhet (existing 1 kW)

 

Excerpt from Bangladesh Betar website :

 

Introduction of Country wide FM Broadcast Network in Bangladesh Betar (1st Phase)

 

Objectives of the project:

 

- To establish countrywide FM Broadcasting Network throughout the whole country for high quality and noise free reception on cheap radio receivers satisfying the listener's needs.

- In order to transmit attractive and harmonious program to the remote corner of Bangladesh

- In order to motivate and inspire mass people to take part in present day nation building activities, such as Poverty alleviation/ Poverty reduction, Population Control, Farm Broadcast, adult Education, Promotion of Cultural Heritage and other development activities.

- With the advancement of modern technology, FM becomes increasingly popular because of high quality, less cost and easy in handing.

- Using modern digital studio equipment and proposed FM network. Bangladesh Betar will be able to radiate noise interference free, clear high fidelity, CD quality program, thereby satisfying the audience needs.

 

Location : Dhaka, Chittagong, Comilla, Cox's Bazar, Khulna, Jessore, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Sylhet and Barishal .

Project Cost (in lakh) : GOB TK. 2356.25 including foreign expenditure TK 1724.45

Expected date of completion : December, 2012

 

Related Link :

 

Broadcast Electronics (BE) awarded large transmitter contract by Bangladesh Government Radio

 

http://www.bdcast.com/information-center/company-news/14

 

Radio helps creating awareness among people

Speakers at a meeting at Bangladesh Betar Bhaban in the city today said broadcasting of diverse programmes by the public and private radio channels has enhanced awareness among the people in the recent times.

Full story at :

http://news.priyo.com/national/2012/07/31/radio-helps-creating-57106.html

'Ineligible' firm favoured for Bangladesh Betar job

Dhaka, Jun 4 (bdnews24.com)—The government has proposed that an 'ineligible' foreign firm get the job to buy radio transmitters at Tk 200 million for national radio station Bangladesh Betar.

More at :
http://www.bdnews24.com/details.php?id=225841&cid=2

Latest issue of Bangladesh Betar newsletter now available

Latest issue (Bhadra-Ashwin 1418) of "Betar Bangla", bi-monthly magazine of Bangladesh Betar (Radio Bangladesh) in bengali is now available for free download from Bangladesh Betar website using this link :

http://www.betar.org.bd/betarbangla.html

Contains interesting articles on various topics, latest news about Bangladesh Betar, programme & frequency schedules of external as well as domestic services.

Bangladesh Betar External Services schedule (in bengali)
http://www.betar.org.bd/betarbangla/external.pdf

Bangladesh Betar FM Schedule (in bengali, includes details about BBC, DW, CRI & Radio Japan txns)
http://www.betar.org.bd/betarbangla/FM.pdf

DRM Aug 2011 Newsletter

DRM August 2011 newsletter is now available at : http://newsletters.lavishcreative.com/t/ViewEmailArchive/r/83443604F9B95581/C67FD2F38AC4859C/

Main stories :
- DRM Showcase at IBC
- Successful DRM+ test in Delhi: Report released
- UK media reports suggest analog radio switch off may be postponed
- Thomson Broadcast to supply a new high power DRM capable SW transmitter to Bangladesh Betar

"Betar Bangla", bi-monthly mag of Radio Bangladesh now available for free download

.................................... (photo courtesy Bangladesh Betar)

"Betar Bangla", bi-monthly magazine of Bangladesh Betar (Radio Bangladesh) in bengali is now available for free download from Bangladesh Betar website using this link :

http://www.betar.org.bd/betarbangla.html

Contains interesting articles on various topics, latest news about Bangladesh Betar, programme & frequency schedules of external as well as domestic services.

Bangladesh Betar External Services schedule (in bengali)
http://www.betar.org.bd/betarbangla/external.pdf

Bangladesh Betar FM Schedule (includes details about BBC, DW, CRI & Radio Japan txns) (in bengali)
http://www.betar.org.bd/betarbangla/FM.pdf

Radio Japan Bengali on additional FM channels in Bangladesh

With effect from 1sy May Radio Japan can be heard in Bengali language via Bangladesh Betar in following cities at 2100-2145 Bangladesh Local Time (1500-1545 UTC) :

 

Comilla    101.2

Khulna     102.0

Rajshahi  105.0

Rangpur   105.4

Sylhet      105.0

 

Radio Japan Bengali is already on FM at following cities :

Dhaka  97.6

Chattagram 105.4

 

 

(Alokesh Gupta)

 

Bangladesh Betar reaches expats with Thomson

Thomson Broadcast is supplying a 250 kW TSW 2300D shortwave transmitter, together with the rotatable HP-RCA 2/2/0.5 shortwave antenna system to Bangladesh Betar, the new transmitter and antenna installation will be located at the Kabirpur Shortwave Station, about 40 km north of the capital Dhaka, and is scheduled to be operational by September 2011 while the antenna is planned to be on air by spring 2012.

Read the full report here :

http://www.digitalproductionme.com/article-4100-radio-bangladesh-betar-reaches-expats-with-thomson/

Bangladesh Betar signs agreement with NHK

Dhaka, Sept 27 (UNB) - Bangladesh Betar entered into a broadcasting agreement with NHK (the Japan Broadcasting Corporation) at Bangladesh Betar headquarters in the city recently.

http://www.unbconnect.com/component/news/task-show/id-30983