tate Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Chowdhury visited historic Kalurghat radio station and Regional Information Office in Chittagong. Photo : PID Chattogram

CHATTOGRAM, Aug 8, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Chowdhury today said the government will take necessary steps to preserve and refurbish the historic Kalurghat radio station, from where Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman made the declaration of independence.

He made the remarks while exchanging views with journalists after visiting the Kalurghat radio station in the morning.

"Kalurghat radio station has remained abandoned for a long time and has also suffered damage due to rain. The government will take appropriate initiatives to protect the historic station and steps will also be taken to refurbish it," he said.

BNP lawmaker from Chittagong-8 Ershad Ullah and officials of the radio station were present at the view-exchange meeting.

Responding to questions about the recent address by ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at a virtual press conference from New Delhi on August 5, Yasser questioned whether any media outlet should broadcast the speech of the chief of a fascist organisation.

He said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Home Minister have already given clear statements on the matter and he personally supports that position.

The state minister also expressed concern over the growing spread of fake information and rumours on social media. He said the government is considering new measures to address the issue, while the Information and Broadcasting Ministry is taking effective initiatives to combat misinformation and rumours.

Regarding Bangladesh Television (BTV), he said a forensic audit is being initiated to improve the quality of its programmes. Necessary measures will be taken to improve BTV's transmission quality, programmes and digitalisation based on the audit findings.

Later, Yasser visited the regional information office in Chittagong.

At a view-exchange meeting with officials and employees of the Press Information Department (PID) at its conference room, he said the PID plays an important role in bridging the information gap between the government and the people.

He said the PID remains active in disseminating information on government programmes, development activities and public services, as well as creating public awareness and providing necessary information during disasters.

Regarding the manpower shortage in the PID, the state minister said the government would take quick and effective measures to address the crisis.

He said maximum use of existing manpower and resources would be ensured by strengthening coordination among agencies under the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.

Yasser urged PID officials to make their ongoing programmes more dynamic and effective to ensure quality public services and to take government information to people's doorsteps.

Bappy Chakraborty, deputy chief information officer of the Chittagong regional information office, presented a documentary on the activities of the Chittagong PID at the meeting.

Officials from different public offices and media workers, among others, attended the programme.