By APCNews
Published onPage last updated on
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) is an independent civil society organisation (CSO) based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Since 2000, it has been working with a focus on media development, building the capacity of CSOs on digital transformation, which is both knowledge-driven and context-sensitive.
BNNRC is associated with the United Nations and has won several awards, including the UN World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prize 2016 and recognition as the Champion for Media Development and Digital Transformation in 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2023. The organisation is also accredited by WSIS and is an observer organisation with the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). BNNRC has been granted consultative status with the UN's Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
BNNRC has been hosting the secretariat of the Bangladesh Internet Governance Forum since 2006 and the Bangladesh Initiative for Unified Voices on the Global Digital Compact and UN Summit of the Future since 2022. Some of its other initiatives include advocating for the opening of community radio broadcasting in Bangladesh and a two-part project on misinformation.
APCNews spoke to AHM. Bazlur Rahman at BNNRC to find out more about the organisation's priorities and why it has joined the APC member network.
Why did you decide to join the APC network?
At BNNRC, we have maintained a strong and strategic relationship with APC for more than 23 years. Our participation in the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) process and my own membership as an APC associate member are testaments to this.
We have transformed community radio organisations into media development organisations and are building the capacity of CSOs and NGOs for digital transformation in the Fourth Industrial Revolution era. We are determined to contribute to creating a healthy digital ecosystem in Bangladesh. Becoming an APC member will enable us to contribute significantly to an open, free and secure digital future for all. It will help us learn from international multistakeholders and share learnings from diverse geographies.
What do you think you can contribute as a member, and what do you expect from APC?
We want to collaborate with APC regarding media development and building the capacity of CSOs and NGOs for digital transformation in Bangladesh, in line with knowledge and information and reskilling, upskilling and deskilling. We would contribute to the APC’s policy advocacy and mobilisation to amplify the voices of marginalised communities and advocate for changes in norms, policies, standards and practices.
Joining APC will give BNNRC access to valuable knowledge and resources to help it thrive in the digital age. As a member, we will have the opportunity to stay ahead of the competition by learning about the latest digital transformation strategies and techniques from around the globe.
We anticipate an APC membership will provide us access to numerous resources and opportunities to collaborate with other like-minded organisations on media development and digital transformation. As we re-evaluate BNNRC’s mandate, we also recognize the need to rename the organisation and establish a new vision, mission and strategy.
