Sylhet: Principal Information Officer (PIO) Nizamul Kabir emphasized the crucial role media professionals must play in the forthcoming National Parliament Election and referendum. Addressing a workshop for media personnel on these significant events, he highlighted the importance of responsible journalism in guiding the state in the right direction.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the workshop was organized by the Department of Information in conjunction with the Sylhet Regional Information Office. It aimed to prepare media personnel for the upcoming national election. The PIO shared that the Press Information Department (PID) has developed various awareness materials, including TV commercials, theme songs, and campaigns in eight regional languages, to inform the public about the election, referendum, and postal ballot.
Kabir further elaborated on the department's efforts to engage media professionals across different regions through seminars, workshops, and exchange meetings. He stressed the enthusiasm among the youth regarding the referendum and called for collective efforts to ensure the election and referendum are conducted freely, fairly, and peacefully. Encouraging rural residents and women to participate by voting was also highlighted as a priority.
As public curiosity about the referendum grows, Kabir underscored the need to present its benefits and the election's code of conduct in a clear and understandable manner. This, he suggested, would help demystify the purpose and process of the referendum for the general populace.
The workshop, chaired by Deputy Principal Information Officer Hasina Akter, saw the participation of Additional Principal Information Officer Yakub Ali and Deputy Principal Information Officers Nasreen Jahan Lipi and Molla Ahmad Qutubuddin, who led various sessions. Journalists from electronic media and national daily newspapers contributed by sharing their insights and experiences related to elections.