BTV to broadcast FIFA World Cup free of cost: State minister

The upcoming FIFA World Cup will be broadcast live on Bangladesh Television at minimal to no cost, State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasir Khan Chowdhury has announced.

Speaking at a press conference at the Directorate of Information on Tuesday, June 9, he said BTV will be able to broadcast the World Cup almost free of charge after completing a transparent and cost-effective agreement with FIFA.

"Compared to previous times, a large amount of money was not required to acquire the broadcasting rights this time," he claimed.

The state minister said one party initially demanded around Tk 200 crore. However, the government reached a solution through direct negotiations with FIFA. Bangladesh Football Federation President Tabith Awal was also involved in this process.

The final contract value for broadcasting has been fixed at approximately 3.85 million US dollars, which amounts to about Tk 63.79 crore including VAT and taxes. This cost will be almost fully recoverable through the sale of advertising and broadcasting rights on various platforms, leaving BTV with no financial burden.