Dhaka: A two-day workshop aimed at enhancing journalists’ capacity to monitor government reforms, track electoral commitments, and apply modern fact-checking methods was held in Dhaka. The workshop, titled ‘Election Commitments, Reforms and Fact-checking,’ was organised by Citizens’ Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh, in collaboration with Economic Reporters Forum (ERF).
According to United News of Bangladesh, a total of 35 journalists from 30 districts and 18 ERF members participated in the training program. During the opening session, Tarannum Zinan of the Citizens’ Platform welcomed the participants, while ERF President Doulot Akter Mala highlighted the growing importance of fact-checking in economic journalism.
Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya, Distinguished Fellow at Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), emphasized the need for objective, evidence-based reporting to ensure accountability in implementing reforms and electoral pledges. Participants were introduced to digital tools such as ‘Bangladesh Reform Tracker’ and ‘Manifesto Watch,’ developed under the platform’s initiative.
CPD officials Towfiqul Islam Khan and Najiba Mohammad Altaf conducted hands-on sessions demonstrating how journalists can use these tools in their daily reporting. On the second day, Hasibur Rahman, Executive Director of Media Resource and Development Initiative (MRDI), led a session on the effective use of the Right to Information (RTI) Act to strengthen accountability at the local level.
Miraz Ahmed Chowdhury of Digitally Right Bangladesh conducted training on identifying misinformation and applying modern fact-checking techniques. At the closing session, chief guest Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, Editor of Daily Manabzamin and President of Newspapers Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (NOAB), stressed the importance of ethical and responsible journalism.
Special guest Mustafizur Rahman emphasized data-driven reporting, while ERF General Secretary Abul Kashem and Debapriya Bhattacharya also spoke. The workshop was supported by the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh and UNDP Bangladesh.