BTV logo change sparks debate

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Arts & Entertainment Desk

A proposed change to the Bangladesh Television (BTV) logo has sparked criticism among artists, writers, cultural figures and former BTV officials, with many questioning whether the state broadcaster should prioritise a logo redesign over reforms to its programmes, content and audience engagement.

BTV announced the initiative on its verified Facebook page on Sunday night with the message, “BTV is returning in a new look!” The broadcaster invited the public to submit ideas and designs for a new BTV logo, with the deadline set for September 10.

The announcement has triggered widespread discussion on social media, particularly over the prospect of replacing BTV’s familiar red-and-green logo, which has been part of the broadcaster’s identity for decades and is closely associated with the memories of generations of viewers.

Writer and television personality K M Harun said the existing logo remains one of the strongest emotional links to BTV’s golden era.

“The logo can certainly be made more attractive, but the historic logo should be retained,” he wrote while sharing BTV’s notice.

Harun also highlighted the artistic history behind the BTV logo, saying it bears the creative imprint of eminent artists Kamrul Hasan and Mustafa Monwar. Artist Imdad Hossain was also involved in creating the BTV logo in December 1971. When BTV began colour broadcasting in 1980, Mustafa Monwar redesigned the earlier logo.

Rather than changing the logo, Harun called for fundamental reforms at BTV.

His suggestions include introducing greater diversity in BTV programmes, producing new content with talented directors and artistes, reforming the audition system, introducing regular programme planning and publishing a TV guide, filling vacant positions, ensuring a corruption-free workplace, training employees and updating the remuneration structure for artistes.

He also stressed the need to prepare BTV employees for technological changes, arguing that the broadcaster’s transition from analogue to digital broadcasting had not been matched by adequate training for its workforce.

Harun’s post drew reactions from several prominent figures in the cultural sector.

Legendary music director and composer Sheikh Sadi Khan questioned the rationale behind the proposed BTV logo change, writing, “How will its name remain if it does not change something?”

He suggested forming an expert committee to assess the proposal before a decision is taken. He also urged BTV to focus on quality programmes, social responsibility and institutional transparency rather than changing its logo.

Eminent writer Hasnat Abdul Hye wrote: “The current logo itself is excellent.”

Writer and filmmaker Shakoor Majid also criticised the initiative.

“BTV has issued a notice about changing its logo. They haven’t said anything about changing its character,” he wrote.

Majid described the proposal as ill-considered and said BTV should first focus on becoming more audience-friendly. “BTV’s habits can be changed without changing its logo,” he added.

Former television presenter Asma Ahmed also questioned the need for a redesign, highlighting the contributions of artists Mustafa Monowar and Kamrul Hasan to the existing BTV logo.

“A need has now arisen to change it. What do you make of that?” she wrote.

Actors Abul Hayat and Dolly Zahur, singer Khurshid Alam and other cultural figures have also previously expressed their opposition to the initiative.

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At the heart of the criticism is a broader question: will changing the BTV logo actually improve its programmes, audience engagement or overall institutional character?

BTV authorities have clarified that no final decision has been made to change the logo.

BTV Director General Kazi Jesin said the call for logo ideas is primarily intended to gather public opinion and explore ways to strengthen BTV’s connection with younger audiences, particularly Gen Z.

She said work is already under way in several areas, including new content, archival material, billing policies and institutional guidelines.

Jesin also acknowledged the emotional significance of BTV’s existing logo. She said nothing has been finalised and that eminent artists associated with the logo would be consulted before any decision is made.

Despite the clarification, the debate over the BTV logo change continues.

For many viewers and cultural figures, the logo is more than a visual identity. It represents a significant part of Bangladesh’s television history, the creative contribution of eminent artists and the memories of several generations.