To
Principal Press Secretary to His Majesty the King of Nepal
Narayanhiti Royal Palace, Kathmandu.
Phone: +977 1 422-8755 or +977 1 441-9454
Fax: +977 1 422-7395 or +977 1 422-9035
E-mail:  press@ntc.net.np

The Minister of Information and Communications
Singh Durbar, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977-1-422-0150
Fax: +977-1-422-1729
E-mail:  moichmg@ntc.net.np

Directorate of Public Relations
Royal Nepal Army Headquarter
Kathmandu, Nepal
Phone: +977 1 426-9624
Fax: +977 1 426-9624
Email:  armyhq@gmail.com or  dpr@rna.mil.np


Subject: Appeal for Full Freedom of Expression in Community Radio Stations and all Independent Radio Stations in Nepal

Cc:
Save Independent Radio Movement (SIRM), Nepal
Central Struggle Committee 2005
Email:  rmainali@wlink.com.np
Fax: +977 1 4261191


Dear Madam/Sir,

We, Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC),

BNNRC is a national networking body working for building a democratic society based on the principles of free flow of information, equitable & affordable access to Information & Communication Technology (ICT) for remote & marginalized population, appeal to the government of Nepal that Community Radio Stations as well as all Independent FM Stations of Nepal be allowed to broadcast news and current affairs programs on any subject of their choice, including political matters. We wish to inform you that, worldwide a community radio stations, broadcast bulletins of news daily, covering political, social and developmental topics concerning thier listeners.

We know that the Government of Nepal has ordered all radio stations to broadcast entertainment programs only. We view such an act as against the word and spirit of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as well as the basic freedom of expression; and therefore, consider it illegal and unacceptable. We deplore such act and appeal to all parties concerned to take back such order as well as all other measures that have been introduced to curtail the full freedom of the radio stations in Nepal. We understand that the Constitution of Nepal, 2047 (1990) guarantees freedom of expression and we appeal to the government of Nepal to respect that.

We wish to inform you that the world community of independent radio stations stand by the coalition “Save the Independent Radio Movement (SIRM)” in Nepal, and that we fully support their struggle for full freedom of expression.

We hope that you will reverse your orders, so that the radio stations are allowed to exercise their rights and serve their communities the way they consider to be the best.

In solidarity with the Community Radio Stations and all Independent FM Radio Stations in Nepal,



--------------------------------------------
AHM Bazlur Rahman -S21BR
MSS in Government & Politics
Chief Executive Officer , BNNRC
&
Member
Bangladesh Working Group on World Summit on the Information Society
[ A Collaborative effort by Government of Bangladesh-NGOs-CSOs]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
National Secretariat:
Street Address: House: 13/1, Road:2 ,Shaymoli, Dhaka-1207,
Mail Address: Post Box: 5095, Dhaka 1205 Bangladesh

Phone: 88-02-9130750, 0171881647 Fax: 88-02-9129395
E-mail:  bnnrc@bd.drik.net  info@bnnrc.net  bnnrc@siriusbb.com
www.bnnrc.net