Published : 02 Sep 2026, 06:35 AM
Updated : 16 Sep 2026, 11:46 AM
Bangladesh Television’s (BTV) historic red-green logo, created after independence by artists including Zainul Abedin, Quamrul Hassan and Mustafa Monwar, may be headed for a change.
The state broadcaster's initial move to alter its five-and-a-half-decade-old symbol has drawn criticism and anger from cultural circles and beyond.
Critics question why authorities are pushing to change a heritage symbol instead of focusing on improving programming, policy reform and tackling corruption.
Facing backlash, BTV authorities maintain no final decision has been taken on changing the logo, saying the initiative is meant to connect with younger viewers, particularly Gen Z, and gauge audience opinion.
A video advertisement posted on BTV's Facebook page on Sunday said, "BTV is returning in a new form. You too can become part of the glorious journey of designing Bangladesh Television's logo. Send your ideas or logo designs to logo@btv.gov.bd."
The deadline for submitting new logo designs has been set for Sept 10.
Kha Ma Harun, a former deputy director general of BTV, criticised the move, telling Glitz that BTV is not a privately owned institution but an important public asset of the state.
He said changing a logo cannot change an institution's face, since that requires changing content, and that a logo is merely a signature.
Raising objections over the design process, he said AI now makes many things possible, and anyone could produce a design using it that would never match the work of Zainul Abedin or Mustafa Monwar.
According to him, modernisation and logo change are not the same thing.
Expressing frustration over BTV's overall state, he said changing content, tackling corruption and introducing new varieties matter more than simply altering the external look.
'Why This Move?'
Veteran actor Abul Hayat called the logo change decision “entirely unnecessary”, saying he saw no need for it and that it could be either sheer whimsy or something driven by an ulterior motive.
Urging focus on improving programming instead, he said wearing new clothes does not increase one's inner knowledge, just as changing a logo alone will not improve BTV.
He said authorities should focus on improving the quality of broadcast programmes rather than changing the logo.
Actress Dolly Johur and singer Khurshid Alam also questioned the need for a change, while actor Afzal Hossain said BTV should first explain its position on the issue before seeking public comments.
How the Logo Was Made
The logo features a television screen inside a green frame with a rising red sun, reflecting the colours of Bangladesh’s national flag.
Harun said a committee comprising artists Zainul Abedin, Quamrul Hassan and the then art direction chief Imdad Hossain finalised the logo after Bangladesh became independent in 1971.
The calligraphic “Bangladesh Television” lettering was designed in the handwriting of artist Mustafa Monwar, he added.
The logo was given its first colour and modern form in 1980 when BTV began colour broadcasting, under Monwar’s leadership.
Harun said it was later adapted for digital broadcasting without changing its basic design.
He also pointed to the BBC, Japan’s NHK and South Korea’s KBS as examples of broadcasters that have modernised their logos while retaining their core designs.
The proposal has also sparked discussion on social media, with many viewers asking whether the red sun, green frame and contribution of the artists behind the historic logo would be retained.
Sadat Monwar, son of Mustafa Monwar, said he had not yet heard about the initiative but saw no copyright issue if BTV decided to change the logo.
No Final Decision, BTV Chief Says
BTV Director General Kazi Jesin said no final decision had been made to change the logo.
She told bdnews24.com that the advertisement was intended to gather ideas and opinions from different groups.
According to Jesin, BTV is also working on structural changes, including new content, its archives, billing policy and other rules, to make the broadcaster more relevant to viewers.
The logo initiative is aimed particularly at connecting BTV with younger audiences, including Gen Z, while giving greater attention to Bangladesh’s history and heritage, she said.
The BTV chief added that any decision on a new logo would be made after consultations with the renowned artists associated with the existing design.
