Dhaka: Bangladesh’s first automation-based private satellite television station International Television Channel Ltd (NTV) celebrated its first anniversary on 3 July in 2004.

With the slogan ‘Somoyer Sathe Agamir Pothe’ (heading towards the future with time) holding Bangla language and culture close to heart, Al-haj Mohammad Mosaddak Ali on 3 July 2003 established the NTV.

The television channel celebrated its first anniversary with much pomp and grandeur. Hasnaine Khurshed anchored the event. Noted socialites, political leaders and cultural figures attended the anniversary as honourable guests and some of the guests addressed the audience.

Chairman of NTV and the then lawmaker Al-haj Mohammad Mosaddak Ali, in his speech, said, ‘I’m very happy to present at the first anniversary of NTV as it has completed its first year of the launching. I wish all the best to NTV.’

Among others, the then NTV Managing Director Enayetur Rahman said, ‘I confer my heartfelt gratitude to the audiences, all NTV staff, advertisers and well-wishers on this occasion. We wish to uphold our slogan ‘Somoyer Sathe Agamir Pothe’ in the coming years.’

Among others, veteran singer Firoza Begum, noted artist and television personality Mustafa Munawar, popular litterateur Imdadul Haq Milon, noted singer Khalid Hossain, industrialist and the then lawmaker Abul Hashem spoke on the occasion to congratulate NTV family on its anniversary.

‘NTV has its unique features, characteristics and special programmes those have been the key factor for engaging the audience. NTV has been making its programmes with much care and sophistication. I’m sure NTV will grow more and more in the future’, Firoza Begum said.

Mustafa Munawar said, ‘Today is a very joyous day. It is always significant to mark the first step for any initiative to be successful and NTV has done that already. NTV is probably the ideal example of how a television channel should be.’ Later, the guests cut a spectacular cake to celebrate the occasion.