Gazipur: Journalists and media personalities at a training workshop underscored the need for maintaining objectivity, ethics, principles, accuracy, and professionalism in journalism to keep intact the glory of this noble profession. Gazipur District Administration and World Vision Bangladesh jointly organized the daylong workshop titled “Basic Journalism and Ethical Reporting” at the DC office.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the event featured prominent speakers including BSS Managing Director and Chief Editor Kamal Uddin Shabuj, Principal Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmed, Jatiya Press Club President Hasan Hafiz, Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury, and Dhaka Union of Journalists President Md Shahidul Islam. Gazipur Deputy Commissioner Md. Nurul Karim Bhuiyan chaired the event, while JPC General Secretary Ayub Bhuiyan conducted the ceremony.
Kamal Uddin Shabuj highlighted the challenging nature of journalism, emphasizing the importance of adhering to ethics and moral principles. He stressed that the media must always stand for truth and public interest without succumbing to political or commercial pressures. Shabuj also highlighted the role journalists play in protecting children’s rights and raising social awareness, urging them to speak out against social issues such as child labor and child marriage.
Syed Abdal Ahmed addressed the challenges journalists face in presenting accurate and objective information, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence and misinformation on social media. He urged journalists to verify their sources before publishing news and emphasized the social responsibility inherent in journalism. Ahmed underscored the need for journalists to adhere to the “Five Ws and One H” principle to maintain accuracy and objectivity.
Hasan Hafiz spoke about the risks and responsibilities associated with journalism, particularly in the age of social media where fake news and rumors spread rapidly. He urged journalists to provide truthful and objective reporting and to refrain from publishing one-sided stories without obtaining all relevant perspectives.
Kader Gani Chowdhury emphasized the role of journalism in questioning authority and holding power to account, which strengthens democracy and promotes transparency and justice. He lamented the decline in ethical journalism in Bangladesh, highlighting the need for honest and unbiased reporting. Chowdhury warned against interest-driven reporting and stressed that media organizations must be accountable solely to the people.
Shahidul Islam reflected on the history of repression faced by journalists and reiterated the need for media to remain above political and personal interests. He called for a safe working environment and greater social security for journalists, especially at the local level.
The workshop saw participation from around 80 representatives of print, electronic, and online media outlets in Gazipur. Sessions covered news writing techniques, fact-checking, child protection, and the social responsibility of the media. Additionally, three short documentary films showcasing social and humanitarian initiatives in Gazipur were screened during the event.