DHAKA, Feb 1, 2022 (BSS) - Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr
Hasan Mahmud today said that the cable operators would take step to
reach digital 'set-top' box to all TV subscribers of Dhaka and
Chattogram by March 31 as a part of digitalization of the country's TV
cable network.

  "Later, the step (to reach 'set-top' box) would be taken at all
divisional and metropolitan cities by May 31. The cable operators will
deliver the box to all subscribers at affordable prices," he said.

  The minister told after a meeting with the representatives of TV
cable operators, DTH service providers and Association of Television
Channel Owners (ATCO) at the meeting room of his ministry at
Secretariat in the capital.

  Secretary of the ministry Md Mokbul Hossain, additional secretary
Khadiza Begum and ATCO senior vice-president Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury,
among others, took part in the meeting.

   Hasan said the meeting discussed about implementation of the TV
cable operating system into digitalization as part of building
'Digital Bangladesh'. There was a stay order of the High Court after
taking the step and later the court vacated the order after an
application from the ministry, he said, adding: "Now there is no legal
obligation to make it digital."

  He said the audience will be deprived of many TV channels if they
would not take the digital 'set-top' box at the scheduled time.

  The minister urged the ATCO representatives to air the issue widely
to let know countrymen.

  He said the meeting was also agreed to form a policy and advisory
committee in this regard. "I also took another initiative that I've
already talked with machine tools factory as they can manufacture
'set-top' box here. And they are taking the step," said Hasan, also
Awami League joint general secretary.

  The minister said if the country's television cable network is
digitized, all the TV audience, owners and cable operators will be
benefited. As the network system is not digitalised yet, the
government is losing VAT and Tax, he added.

  Replying to a query over Begum Zia's health issue, the minister said
it is really a good news that she is returning to her residence after
getting well. It was also proved through her recovery that BNP did ill
politics over her health issue, he added.

  He said they showed thumbs down to the treatment system and the
doctors of the country. BNP always did ill politics with her treatment
and health condition and tried to send her abroad, said Hasan.