A proposal to redesign the Bangladesh Television (BTV) logo has sparked criticism among artists, writers, cultural figures and former BTV officials, many of whom argue that the state broadcaster should focus on improving its programmes, content and audience engagement instead.
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 members of the public to submit ideas and designs for a new logo, with September 10 set as the deadline.
The announcement quickly triggered debate on social media, particularly over the possibility of replacing BTV’s familiar red-and-green logo.
The design has been part of the broadcaster’s identity for decades and remains closely associated with the television memories of generations of viewers.
Writer and television personality K M Harun said the existing logo remains one of the strongest emotional connections 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 legacy behind the logo, noting the contributions 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 version.
Instead of changing the logo, Harun called for broader reforms within the broadcaster.
He suggested introducing greater diversity in BTV’s programmes, creating new content with talented directors and artistes, reforming the audition system, establishing regular programme planning and publishing a television guide.
He also called for vacant positions to be filled, a corruption-free workplace to be ensured, employees to receive proper training and artistes’ remuneration to be updated.
Harun further stressed the importance of preparing BTV employees for technological changes.
He argued that the broadcaster’s transition from analogue to digital broadcasting had not been matched by sufficient training for its workforce.
His comments drew support and criticism from several prominent figures in the cultural sector.
Legendary music director and composer Sheikh Sadi Khan questioned the reasoning behind the proposed redesign and suggested forming an expert committee to assess the proposal before any decision is made.
He also urged BTV to focus on producing quality programmes, fulfilling its social responsibilities and ensuring institutional transparency.
Eminent writer Hasnat Abdul Hye was more direct, saying, “The current logo itself is excellent.”
Writer and filmmaker Shakoor Majid also criticised the initiative, writing, “BTV has issued a notice about changing its logo. They haven’t said anything about changing its character.”
Majid described the proposal as ill-considered and said BTV should first work 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, pointing to the contributions of Mustafa Monowar and Kamrul Hasan to the existing 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 voiced their opposition to the initiative.
At the centre of the debate is a broader question: would changing BTV’s logo actually improve its programmes, audience engagement or institutional character?
BTV authorities, however, have clarified that no final decision has been made to replace the logo.
BTV Director General Kazi Jesin said the call for new logo ideas is primarily aimed at gathering public opinion and exploring ways to strengthen the broadcaster’s connection with younger audiences, particularly Gen Z.
She said work is already underway in several areas, including new content, archival material, billing policies and institutional guidelines.
Jesin also acknowledged the emotional significance of the existing logo.
According to her, nothing has been finalised, and eminent artists associated with the logo will be consulted before any decision is made.
Despite the clarification, the debate continues over whether BTV really needs a new visual identity.
For many viewers and cultural figures, the logo represents far more than a brand symbol.
It embodies an important chapter of Bangladesh’s television history, the creative contributions of eminent artists and the memories of several generations.
