Bangladesh: Asian bishops’ radio touches the lives of people of all faiths
The celebration in Dhaka of the Jubilee Day of Radio Veritas Asia’s Bengali-language service also provided participants, including some Muslims, with an opportunity to share stories of how, in a country like Bangladesh, this media outlet helps people’s human and spiritual growth, beyond religious barriers. “Every religion inspires us to uphold truth,” said Bishop Romen Boraigi.
Dhaka (AsiaNews) – The Bengali service of Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a pioneering initiative of the Catholic bishops of Asia, continues to inspire and transform lives thanks to its unwavering commitment to truth and dialogue.
This was evident during the celebration of Radio Veritas Day and the Jubilee Year on Friday, 5 December, at Archbishop T.A. Ganguly Hall in Dhaka, centred on the theme “Pilgrims of Hope: We are in Propagation of Truth”.
The event brought together approximately 140 participants from diverse backgrounds – Muslims, Hindus, and Christians – along with a bishop, 10 priests, 15 nuns, and two religious brothers.
The gathering was not only a celebration, but a testament to RVA’s mission to spread real news and values in an age dominated by misinformation and fake news.
Founded on 11 April 1969 by the Federation of Catholic Bishops of Asia (FABC), Radio Veritas Asia was conceived as a voice of truth for millions of people across the continent. Today, it reaches more than 200 million people in 22 Asian languages from its headquarters in Quezon City, Philippines.
The Bengali Service began on 1 December 1980, initially via shortwave radio. For decades, it has been a trusted source of news and spiritual content for Bengali-speaking audiences. In 2018, it expanded to digital platforms, becoming accessible via its website and social media channels.
This transition has expanded its global reach, with listeners and viewers from 56 countries and more than 36,000 Facebook followers.
Friday’s celebration in Dhaka was enriched by heartfelt testimonies from listeners who shared how RVA touched their lives.
Didarul Islam, a Muslim listener from Chattogram, shared his 35-year journey with RVA Bengali Service. “I like the Chetana programme the most,” he said. “It awakened my consciousness and changed my life positively. I used to believe in many superstitions, but after watching this programme, I no longer believe in them.”
His devotion is so deep that in 2018 he travelled to Manila to attend the 50th anniversary celebrations and brought home some soil from Quezon City as a precious souvenir.
Another regular listener, Ashiq Iqbal from Rajshahi, credited RVA for shaping his professional life. “I joined RVA and took training in journalism, which helped me improve my career,” he said. “RVA always promotes truth, and that’s what I admire most.”
Maria Grace Sarkar, a young Catholic listener, highlighted RVA’s role in combating misinformation. “In today’s world,” she explained, “social media flood us with information, and it’s hard to know what’s true. But I trust RVA completely because it is run by our Catholic bishops and never spreads false news.”
Prodip Augustine Gomes, also a Catholic, expressed his spiritual connection: “I regularly listen to Bible readings on RVA’s Facebook page. Hearing the Word of God fills my soul.”
The event’s chief guest, Bishop James Romen Boiragi of Khulna, highlighted the universal call to truth. “In today’s world,” he said, “people often take refuge in lies to protect their interests. Every religion inspires us to uphold truth. RVA preaches truth and calls others to do the same.”
He thanked the organisers and participants for their commitment to this mission.
For Father Nikhil Gomes, coordinator of RVA Bengali Services, “Listeners and viewers are the lifeblood of Radio Veritas Asia Bengali Service. They have been the driving force behind our 45-year journey. Veritas means truth, and this truth shows people the path of light. Our goal is to build dialogue, unity, and brotherhood among all, regardless of race, religion, or caste.”
He also told those present that RVA is a nonprofit, advertising-free organisation, sustained by the dedication and support of its audience. As for the RVA Bengali Service, it continues its mission, remaining a beacon of truth and hope for millions of people.
In an age when misinformation threatens social harmony, RVA's commitment to real news and interfaith dialogue is more relevant than ever, touching lives across religious barriers and borders.
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