BBC Janala’s reality TV series Nijey Nijey Shekha is a new programme that helps people across Bangladesh to learn English. The inspiring and motivating show is now on air on Bangladesh Television (BTV) every Saturday at 7:20 pm, with repeats at 8:35 am on Mondays and 2:15 pm on Wednesdays.
Nijey Nijey Shekha follows real people from different parts of Bangladesh, from health workers and beauticians to drivers and waiters, they all share the same passion for learning English. As they work to overcome their fears of learning, each of them has just three days to learn enough English to face their own real-life English challenge. Viewers can learn alongside the participants, as presenters Samia Afrin and Kibria Sharkar offer simple, practical learning tips and advice about useful English phrases.
A range of famous faces are also on hand to offer tips and advice to people taking part in the show. The series features renowned fashion designer Bibi Russell, former Bangladesh National cricket team captain Khaled Masud Pilot and singer Fatema Tuz Zohra, amongst others.
Charlotte Imbert, Country Director for BBC Media Action, who produced the series, said:
“This TV series is designed to help everyone learn English in relevant and practical ways. It’s a brand new type of show that follows the stories of eight learners as they begin their English learning journey. I hope that the show will inspire them and people like them all over the country to get to grips with English in order to help them in their jobs and wider lives. BBC Janala is already been used by millions of people and, with this new show, I’m confident that we’ll be able to help many new and existing learners to improve their skills.”
Johan Bentinck, Team Leader for English in Action said:
“Nijey Nijey Shekha is a show about Bangladesh and its people. The series has travelled to every division in the country, highlighting the colourful and varied cultures and lives that are such a special part of Bangladesh. I am sure that the programmes will help anyone who wants to learn English to do so in a fun and enjoyable way and I see this series as a great addition to the range of English learning opportunities that English in Action is providing in Bangladesh.”
People and locations already featured in the series include:
• A handicrafts businesswoman from Rangpur
• A cricket player from Rajshahi
• A health worker from Sylhet
• A tour guide from Khulna
• A beautician from Dhaka
The followings will be featured in the coming episodes:
• A waiter from Cox’s Bazar
• A driver from Barisal
• A singer from Chittagong
Nijey Nijey Shekha forms part of the range of learning materials available from BBC Janala. Just like previous TV favorites Bishaash and Mojay Mojay Shekha, the programme provides easy, accessible English learning in a fun and entertaining way.
BBC Janala is part of English In Action (EIA), a major educational initiative funded by the UK Government and implemented through a partnership with the Government of Bangladesh. As part of EIA, BBC Media Action has introduced a unique, award-winning service called BBC Janala, which aims to help the people of Bangladesh learn English in innovative ways, using mobile phones, print, web, television, clubs, CDs and books.
