By AKM Rashed Shahriar

DHAKA, July 21, 2026 (BSS) - A special television reality show titled 'In Search of Talent' (Pratibhar Sandhane) is set to be launched under a special initiative of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry to bring the country's hidden and diverse talents from grassroots communities and remote areas on national and global platforms.

Ministry officials said unlike conventional reality shows focused on singing, dancing, or comedy, the primary objective of this initiative is to provide a single platform for every form of talent.

The competition will welcome performances and innovations ranging from traditional folk arts-such as lathi khela (stick fighting), puppet shows, and bahurupi (traditional impersonation)-to acrobatics, magic, robotics, drone shows, sand art, and modern technology-based innovations, as well as any other unique and exceptional talent.

The year-long reality show will consist of 52 episodes, each lasting between 45 and 60 minutes, and will be broadcast simultaneously on Bangladesh Television (BTV) and OTT platforms.

According to officials, the audition process will begin with digital registration through a mobile app or online platform, allowing contestants to apply from home.

This will be followed by divisional audition camps across all eight divisions of the country to assess participants' talents. Successful contestants will then proceed through studio auditions, knockout rounds, semifinals, and a grand finale featuring public voting before the final winner is selected and awarded.

The show's main judging panel will comprise three eminent personalities from Bangladesh's music, dance, and acting industries. Two popular hosts will present contestants' personal stories and backstage experiences throughout the competition.

Among the show's key attractions are:

Red Button: Judges will have the authority to stop a performance immediately if they consider it unsatisfactory.

Golden Button: Exceptional, world-class performances will receive an exclusive opportunity to advance directly to a stage two rounds ahead.

Public Voting: In the final stage, the winner will be determined through a combination of judges' evaluations and viewers' votes.

Inspired by international productions such as Britain's Got Talent, the show will feature world-class premium stage and lighting design. Each performance will be preceded by a cinematic backstory highlighting the contestant's journey and struggles.

The Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) will serve as the principal organizer of the event.

BFDC Managing Director Masuma Rahman Tani told BSS that the corporation has long served as the heart of Bangladesh's cultural, artistic, and film industries.

However, in today's rapidly changing world, she said, it is no longer sufficient to remain confined to traditional forms of artistic practice. Instead, it is essential to identify and promote the country's diverse hidden talents from every corner of Bangladesh.

"With that objective, under the guidance of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, BFDC is preparing to organize one of the largest and most inclusive reality shows in the country's history, In Search of Talent," she said.

She added that the goal is clear: beyond singing, dancing, and acting, the show aims to become the country's biggest gateway for people possessing exceptional skills in folk arts, physical performance, technological innovation, and other extraordinary talents who have remained unnoticed due to the lack of a suitable platform.

BFDC officials said that if given the opportunity, world-class performers and innovators would emerge from every corner of the country. They believe that this nationally significant initiative, combining international standards with modern production values, will not only provide state recognition to grassroots talents but also contribute significantly to their economic and social empowerment.

She sought the wholehearted cooperation of the public and the media to ensure the success of the initiative.

Speaking on the initiative, State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Choudhury said the government believes in recognizing young people's talents and creating diverse employment opportunities for them.

"We are building an inclusive platform where the new generation's talents can flourish," he said.

"This world-class initiative will not only entertain audiences but will also revive hidden talents scattered across the grassroots and help establish underprivileged talented individuals themselves socially. We believe this national effort will inspire the next generation to become more confident and self-reliant," he added.

He hoped 'In Search of Talent' will open a new chapter by empowering artists who have remained unnoticed due to limited opportunities and exposure, revitalizing Bangladesh's traditional folk culture, and inspiring the younger generation to realize and develop their own potential.