Dhaka: Election Commissioner Brigadier General (Retd.) Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah emphasized the Election Commission’s commitment to providing necessary training and education to grassroots journalists. He acknowledged the challenges they face and assured support to improve their journalism skills, especially in the context of election coverage.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Brig Gen Sanaullah made these remarks during a signing ceremony for a memorandum of association under the “Advancing Media Capacity and Information Integrity” project at the Election Commission Bhaban in Agargaon. He highlighted the need for training and education for journalists working at the grassroots level, who often operate under constraints but demonstrate dedication.
The initiative aims to address the disparities between journalists in urban areas and those at the grassroots level, who lack modern facilities. Brig Gen Sanaullah expressed hope that the training program would have a positive outcome and reiterated the EC’s commitment to transparency in the upcoming elections, describing it as a defining moment in the country’s history.
He also mentioned that the investment in training and election-related initiatives is worthwhile, viewing it as an investment rather than an expenditure. Sanaullah congratulated UNDP, MRDI, and RFED for their efforts, deeming the initiative a historic moment for the nation.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Reporters Forum for Elections and Democracy (RFED) and Media Resources Development Initiative (MRDI) to enhance the professional skills of journalists covering the Election Commission beat. Supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the initiative is seen as a significant step in improving election journalism.
RFED President Kazi Emad Uddin Jebel and MRDI Executive Director Hasibur Rahman Mukur signed the MoU. The ceremony was attended by notable figures, including Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed and UNDP Bangladesh’s Technical Advisor Andres del Castillo Sanchez.