Sylhet: Information and Broadcasting Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan announced that a real election will be conducted in the country after many years, emphasizing the absence of any partisan government role. She made these remarks during the inauguration of a training workshop on ‘Election-Time Journalism,’ organized by the Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB) at Sylhet Press Club.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the workshop was chaired by PIB Director General Faruk Wasif and featured Information Secretary Mahbuba Farzana as a special guest. Other notable attendees included Deputy Commissioner of Sylhet Md Sarwar Alam, Sylhet Press Club President Muktabis-un-Noor, and General Secretary of the Sylhet Metropolitan Journalists Union and Bureau Chief of Daily Amar Desh Khaled Ahmed. The event was moderated by Sylhet Press Club General Secretary Mohammad Sirajul Islam.
Rizwana Hasan highlighted that the upcoming election signifies a departure from nearly 16 years of autocratic rule. She noted that during such a regime, institutions and the public mindset are often infiltrated by the ruling forces. Despite these challenges, she asserted that the government is organizing the election based on the strength of a mass uprising, which has resisted malign forces. The government has initiated necessary measures to confront any impending obstacles.
Rizwana also addressed the political tension that typically accompanies elections, expressing confidence that these challenges can be overcome with the government’s proactive efforts. She emphasized the government’s objective to ensure a free and fair election with broad public participation, aiming for a genuine public mandate and appropriate candidate selection.
Information Secretary Mahbuba Farzana added that efforts are being made to facilitate free and informed voting rights among the populace. She expressed the expectation that the election would be fair, festive, and participatory, with collaboration between the government and media playing a crucial role in shaping public opinion and addressing electoral challenges.
The workshop saw participation from officials of the Ministry of Information and PIB, along with members of the Sylhet Press Club executive committee. It was coordinated by PIB Senior Trainer Md. Shah Alam, with freelance journalist Ziaur Rahman serving as the resource person. The second day of the training is set to feature Daily Amar Desh Deputy Editor Sultan Mahmud conducting the session. A total of 50 journalists from national and local media outlets in Sylhet are taking part in the workshop.