My name is Shilpi Rahman, and I am proud to be a part of Brisbane Bangla Radio on Radio 4EB 98.1FM. I wear multiple hats in the program, serving as an announcer, producer, and researcher. Our Bangla Program started running on the 4EB platform back in 2000, thanks to the efforts of Mr. Ahmad Faridur Rahman, the Vice President of the Bangladesh Association in Brisbane (BAB). At that time, I was the cultural secretary within the organization, and once the program got approval to be aired, I and other BAB executive committee members joined in conducting and presenting the shows. Since then, I have been actively involved, serving as the Convenor of the group in its early days, and I continue to hold this position with great enthusiasm over the past couple of years. My passion lies in promoting our culture and heritage to the broader world, and that’s why I have been with the radio program since its inception in 2000.
Among the various segments of our program, my favorite part is playing music and poetry. There’s something incredibly nostalgic and soul-stirring about sharing these beautiful art forms with our listeners. As a mental health counselor, I also find immense satisfaction in discussing mental well-being on the program, as it’s an important issue that needs to be addressed within our community.
The inspiration behind my involvement in the program stems from a deep-rooted desire to preserve and promote our culture and heritage for the new generation. I have always been actively engaged in various cultural activities in Australia since 1988, and joining the radio program was a natural extension of my dedication to our rich traditions.
What appeals to me the most about radio is the power it has to connect with people. Through this platform, I can engage with our community, encouraging the younger generation to actively participate and share their ideas, making it a collective effort.
I absolutely love our community because it is vibrant, caring, and tightly-knit. The young members bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm, organizing various events to showcase and promote our culture to the wider community. Their energy and spirit give me hope for a bright future. One of the major characteristics of Bangladeshi people is our love for entertaining others with loads of food, music, and laughter, and I take pride in being a part of such a warm and friendly community.
Having a dedicated slot on the radio to share the beauty of our Bangla language and culture fills me with immense pleasure. I am passionate about preserving our heritage and continuously encourage the new generation to join us and run the program with their versatile tastes and innovative ideas.
Through Brisbane Bangla Radio, I hope to continue promoting our culture, heritage, and mental well-being, fostering a strong sense of identity and pride within the Bengali community. It’s an honor to be a part of this incredible journey of celebrating our roots while embracing the present and future.