Nagorik (Bengali: নাগরিক; lit.'citizen')[2] is a Bangladeshi Bengali-language privately owned satellite and cable television channel owned by Jadoo Media Limited,[3] and is based in Khilkhet, Dhaka. It began operations on 1 March 2018, with the slogan, "Television Noy, Somporko" (টেলিভিশন নয়, সম্পর্ক; lit.'Not television, but a relationship').[4] Nagorik claims that they do not compete with local Bangladeshi television channels, and instead compete with foreign television channels by working with the local ones.[5]
History
Licensing and initiation
Nagorik was initially licensed to Jadoo Media Limited, which at the time was owned by businessman Annisul Huq, by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission in 2013 as 'JadooTV'.[6] During its initiation, Nagorik had produced several television series to be aired for later. Abdun Noor Tushar later joined the channel as its CEO.[7] The channel received its frequency allocation in January 2015.[8]
Launch
Nagorik began test transmissions on 6 February 2018,[9] and later officially began broadcasting on 1 March of the same year at 19:00 (BST), with its debut program being "Swapno Simahin",[10] being inaugurated at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center in Dhaka.[11][12]
During its launch, Rubana Huq, the wife of Annisul Huq and the managing director of Nagorik, recalled the memory of her late husband. Tofail Ahmed, the Minister of Commerce, hoped that Nagorik would care for the spirit of the Liberation War and highlight the development of Bangladesh. Minister of Information Hasanul Haq Inu also hoped that the channel would meet the demands of its audience.[13] The channel's initial programming line consisted of four drama television series, a live music show Nagorik Café, an animated series Superman, a health-related series Deho Ghori, a cooking show Mariar Rannaghor, travel series Soleman Hazari, and many more.[12]
On 4 December 2018, the dance reality television series Bajlo Jhumur Tarar Nupur premiered on Nagorik.[20] In February 2019, Nagorik premiered local drama series Bangi Television.[21][22] On 17 March 2019, Turkish drama series Siyah İnci premiered on the channel under the name Maria.[23] In December 2019, Nagorik, along with three other Bangladeshi television channels, signed an agreement with UNICEF to air programming regarding children's issues.[24]
To celebrate Eid al-Fitr of 2020, Nagorik broadcast seven Hollywood films, including the ones from the Spider-Man, Terminator, and Charlie's Angels film franchises.[25]Chander Hat, starring actor and director Salauddin Lavlu, premiered on Nagorik on 2 December 2020.[26] On 1 March 2021, Turkish drama Binbir Gece, with its title being localized as Sahasra Ek Rajani, premiered on the channel. It was also made available for streaming on Bongo BD.[27][28] In June 2021, two local dramas, Corporate Bhalobasha and Google Village, debuted on Nagorik.[29][30]
In 2024, Nagorik TV successfully broadcast the ICC Men's and Women's World Cup, further solidifying its position as a prominent sports broadcaster in Bangladesh.[31][32]
Programming
Nagorik's programming line is diverse, consisting of dramas, music, health, cartoons, and many more. At its launch, four dramas have premiered on the channel.[12]
