Dhaka: Country’s first automation-based private satellite television station International Television Channel Ltd (NTV) celebrated its fifth anniversary on 3 July 2008.

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 established the NTV on 3 July 2003.

The television channel celebrated its fifth anniversary with much pomp and majesty.

Noted socialites, political leaders, eminent journalists and cultural figures attended the ceremony as honourable guests and some of them addressed the audience.

Awami League leaders Amir Hossain Amu, Tofael Ahmed and Matia Chowdhury, BNP leader ASM Hannan Shah (now deceased), actor, stage director and theatre producer Ramendu Majumdar, cultural personality (now Minister of Cultural Affairs) Asaduzzaman Noor, prominent writer Imdadul Haq Milon, television director Giasuddin Selim and prominent journalist Shaukat Mahmood addressed the anniversary, among others.

Ramendu Majumdar said, ‘From the wee hour of establishment the NTV has been trying to be different in producing programme and it has done well so far. I hope it will be more dynamic in future.’

Asaduzzaman Noor said, ‘NTV is a very professional television station. I have seen nice professionalism in their activities. And their all programmes prove that they are modern enough.’

Imdadul Haq Milon said, ‘I wish all the best to NTV and I have a deep relationship with the NTV. I can say that NTV’s progress is my own progress.’

Amir Hossain Amu said, ‘I appreciate NTV’s neutrality and objectivity on political issues and hope NTV will continue the same duty.’

ASM Hannan said, ‘NTV becomes the role model in the television industry for its neutrality and objectivity in journalism and I am happy to see its progress.’

Shaukat Mahmood said, ‘NTV has won the heart of country’s people through their impartial news and programmes as well.

Later, the guests cut a spectacular cake to celebrate the occasion followed.