DHAKA: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday announced that the honorarium of the artistes of Bangladesh Betar will be hiked soon.

The premier also assured the national radio station staff to provide them pension like the other government service holders soon as well as getting regular promotions.

She made the announcement while addressing the inaugural function of diamond jubilee of Bangladesh Betar at Betar Bhaban in city’s Agargaon.

The premier also handed over the award to 10 ‘Vocal Artistes’ for their respective contribution to the nation during its Liberation War in 1971.

She said the contribution of the Bangladesh Betar officials is undeniable. They also came forward with the freedom-seeking Bangalees.

Announcing that the Bangabandhu Satellite will be launched within current government’s tenure, she said, “As we are working to establish digital Bangladesh, we need domestic satellite.”

However, the premier promised that the salary of Betar artistes will be increased and their pension will be initiated soon.

The PM said Bangladesh Betar is an inseparable part in our history as it educates people and give them required information besides entertainment.

Hasina recalled that the officials of the state-run radio forced the authorities to broadcast the speech of Bangabandhu on March 8 which played a vital role in the war as it was not published in March 7.

All decision of Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh formed in 1971 would reach to the people through Bangladesh Betar.

Criticizing the former President Ziaur Rahman, Hasina said, the songs on Liberation War and the activities of Bangabandhu was stopped to publish by his order.

Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu was present as chief guest at the function chaired by information secretary Martuza Ahmed.

Parliamentary standing committee on Ministry of Information chairman AKM Rahmantullah, PM’s information adviser Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury also spoke there.

The function of diamond jubilee of Bangladesh Betar will be concluded on December 18.

BDST: 2201 HRS, DEC 15, 2014