The channel can be watched without a satellite connection as before, the ETV authorities claimed at a press conference yesterday.

The ETV has got permission to "re-broadcast" its programmes with all previous facilities, said ETV Chairman Abdus Salam.

The transmission of ETV was stopped on August 29, 2002 following a Supreme Court order.

Salam said they are hopeful to regain the viewers' attention by presenting quality programme and neutral and investigative news.

The ETV got its permission for transmission on April 14, 2005, but the authorities could not go on-air due to some tangles with

Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Board.

Hinting at a powerful quarter of the immediate past government, Salam said "an evil power" did not allow them to start transmission even after getting the permission.

Asked about ETV's share owned by Gias Al Mamun, managing director of Channel 1 and a friend of BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Tarique Rahman, Salam said, "If he had the share, we would not have to wait for one and half years for starting transmission.

"Gias Al Mamun was one of the most powerful persons in the country during the past government's tenure. Why have we waited such a long time if he was with us?" Salam said.

On former managing director of ETV Simon Dring's joining the channel, he said, "Time will tell that."

Salam thanked the media for supporting the ETV in its fight to get permission to resume operation.

ETV Director (programme) Atiqul Haq Chowdhury described the day as their "victory day", saying, "We lost our paradise, but we have regained it."