Journalist Kazi Jesin Appointed as New Director General of BTV

In a major administrative reshuffle within Bangladesh’s state broadcasting operations, journalist Kazi Jesin has been appointed as the new Director General of Bangladesh Television (BTV). The Ministry of Public Administration issued an official gazette notification on Thursday, 6 August, confirming her appointment on a contractual basis for a period of one year.

According to the conditions set out by the ministry, Kazi Jesin’s tenure will begin from the date she formally assumes office. The appointment comes with a strict contractual mandate requiring her to sever all existing professional ties, including any active employment, business engagements, or formal affiliations with public, semi-government, autonomous, or private entities. The specific operational terms and financial details of her contract will be finalised through a separate approved agreement.

Concurrently, the Ministry of Public Administration released a separate notification terminating the remaining tenure of the outgoing Director General, Md. Mahbubul Alam, who had also been serving on a contractual basis.

The leadership transition at Bangladesh Television comes at a critical juncture for the national broadcaster. Established in 1964 as part of the Pakistan Television Corporation before becoming the national station of Bangladesh following independence in 1971, BTV serves as the flagship public service channel in the country. Operating from its headquarters in Rampura, Dhaka, alongside various terrestrial and satellite sub-centres across the nation, the terrestrial network reaches millions of households.

In recent years, the state broadcaster has faced calls for modernization, structural reforms, and enhanced editorial independence to remain relevant amidst a rapidly evolving digital media landscape dominated by private satellite channels and online broadcasting networks. Kazi Jesin, who brings extensive experience from her career in professional journalism, steps into the leadership role during a period marked by administrative restructuring across key state institutions. Her primary focus is expected to centre on managing terrestrial operations, overseeing digital content transitions, and steering the public broadcaster’s editorial and administrative affairs over the coming year.