President Iajuddin Ahmed pressed the button of its remote transmission panel set up at a local hotel to launch the channel's transmission last evening.

Information Minister Tariqul Islam was also present as special guest of the programme.

The inauguration ceremony was aired live.

Addressing the launch, the president hoped that the channel would be acceptable to all, remaining committed to national interest.

"We hope that through the maximum utilisation of high-tech in the age of information technology the ntv will encourage people's participation in the overall development of the nation, including expanding and improving the standard of education."

Prof Iajuddin said the news-persons and newspapers could express opinions with freedom because of the liberal policy of the government on the flow of information.

He said the healthy growth of private channels amid a competitive atmosphere would help expand and nourish democratic values.

The president said accountability and transparency of the organisation had to be ensured in a democratic society.

The government believes in the freedom of speech, but everybody should be alert to see whether there was any misuse of the right, he added.

He said the media had the right to question the transparency and accountability of other institutions, but they themselves were not above accountability.

The information minister hoped that the new private satellite channel would show the common man the path to welfare through its programmes, taking the advantage of the sincerity of the government to uphold the spirit of the free flow of information.

Tariqul said it was the BNP government that had opened up the sky news links when it had been in power earlier through taking measures to transmit news of the CNN, BBC and other channels through the BTV.

"Viewers will love our programmes as ntv will keep in mind their choices," Managing Director of ntv, M Enayetur Rahman, told reporters at a briefing at the city hotel.

Earth station, the telecast system of ntv, was set up by local and American experts.

People from any part of the country, Asia and Australia and most parts of Europe and Africa will be able to watch ntv which gives top priority to news service.

Executive Director of ntv Hasnain Khurshed, Director Mohammad Yunus, Programme Director Shamsuddin Haider Dalim, eminent citizens, high government and civil officials were also present at the ceremony.