Every year, 13 February marks the International Radio Day, observed to honour one of the most enduring mediums of communication – Radio. UNESCO established this day in the year 2011 to recognise the unique power of radio in connecting people across cultures and fostering dialogue and creativity.
Radio has played a significant role in shaping the social values, providing entertainment and serving as a lifeline during critical moments of history in Bangladesh as well. So, let us go back in time, and remember the glory hours of radio as we celebrate the International Radio Day today.
- The family gatherings around the radio
I can still clearly remember how excited me and my family used to get when the clock struck 11:00 on a Friday and it was time for our favourite show, Bhoot FM. We would gather in our living room, after dinner, to listen to the scary stories accompanied by eerie sound effects. It wasn’t just about the stories though, it was about the sense of togetherness. In today’s era, dominated by screens and attention-grabbing entertainment, those moments of communal listening just feels like a rare treasure.
Listening to Bhoot FM was also one of the favourite pastimes for me and my cousin. We used to listen to Bhoot FM whenever she had a sleepover at my place. We would hide under the blanket at night, turn off the lights and play Bhoot FM on our phone’s radio creating fun childhood memories along with the sense of togetherness.
- The musical escapes during load-shedding
Load shedding was an inevitable part of our life and it still is. However, back in the days, radio used to turn these darks hours into something magical. My father and I used to grab our radio and a mat and head to our terrace to listen to music on the radio. The timeless Bangla songs would fill the space between us while we listen to it lying under the starts. Sometimes, the neighbors would join in and soon it used turn into an impromptu concert situation. Radio turned the little moments of inconviniences into simple joy.
- Sending personal messages through the radio and sharing joy with a nation
Anyone remember the thrill of sending a text message to the Radio and hearing them being read it out loud? Many of us, old people, used this to surprise our loved ones or share exciting news. Once, my friend had dedicated a song to his school crush and later he was so uncontrollably happy about it while sharing the experience with us. Proposals, birthday wishes and random dedications used to find its way into the airwaves. It was like being a part of a larger family were emotions and happiness used to be shared and celebrated together. Listening to those heartfelt messages made us laugh, cry and feel connected to one another. It’s unfortunate how the times have changed and radio channels Radio Amar,
- The radio dramas: A theater of the mind
Before television became a household staple, Radio Plays ruled the entertainment world. Programs like “Pather Dabi” based on Sharatchandra Chattopadhays novel or “Mrityuksudh” by Kazi Nazrul Islam painted vivid pictures in out minds through the radio. The actors passionate voice, their dramatic pauses and sounds of footsteps would take the audience to another universe. Unfortunately, I never had the chance to hear a Radio Play but my other told me how amaizing these dramas used to be. Just thinking about how they could have sparked my imagination in a way no screen could makes me yearn for those moments of sound and imagination.
- Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra: A beacon of hope
The value of radio in Bangladesh cannot be completely appreciated without mentioning the historic role of “Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra” during the Liberation War in 1971. Radio used to broadcast a source of strength through their airwaves for both the people and the freedom fighters. The declaration of Bangladesh’s independence via radio on March 25th, 1971 was a key moment in history. Then there was also “Chorompotro” by MR Akhtar Mukul people used to hurdle around the radio to listen to. His bols voice delivered the news of hope and resistance. Radio brought together moments of unity fueled by courage and resilience as a medium.
As I write this, I can’t help but feel a great sense of nostalgia for those simple times. Radio was not than just a device. It was a medium of entertainment filling out lives with music, stories and connections. Sadly, nowadays, we don’t even hear the sound of radio playing in a tea stall or on cars.
International Radio Day serves as a reminder of the radios enduring contribution. We celebrate this day every year, but we rarely find ourselves listening to the radio anymore. We can only reminisce over the almost lost medium.