Burhanuddin (Dhaka Bureau): Referring to the role of journalists during the July-August uprising in Bangladesh, the Director General of the Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB), Faruk Wasif, stated that necessary action could be taken against any journalist if there is a criminal offense or if someone files a specific complaint. However, he does not want the arrest or dismissal of any journalist for politically supporting fascism.
He made these remarks as the chief guest at the certificate distribution ceremony among the journalists participating in the international workshop titled ‘Reporting on Non-Violence’ at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) Shafiul Kabir Auditorium on Sunday afternoon (May 11).
Dhaka Reporters Unity President Abu Saleh Akon and General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel presenting a memento to the chief guest of the event, Mr. Faruk Wasif, Director General of the Press Institute Bangladesh.
Certificates were formally handed over on Sunday to over a hundred journalists who participated in the workshop jointly organized by the international press agency Presenza and the Dhaka Reporters Unity on April 18. The workshop was simultaneously conducted online from the United States, United Kingdom, Argentina, Chile, and Italy.
Claiming that ‘predatory journalism’ had occurred in the country during the successive tenures of the ousted Awami League in power, Faruk Wasif said that we ourselves must try to ensure that we do not fall into the trap of predatory journalism in the future. He added that journalist organizations can play a strong role in this regard. Commenting that ‘one must clean their own house’, he said that if journalists cannot remove the allies of fascism from the media, then the government cannot do it either. He stated that it is in no way desirable for the government to make laws and for the police to pick up media journalists. He reiterated that action can be taken against anyone if there is a criminal offense or a specific complaint. However, he does not want anyone to be arrested or dismissed simply for politically supporting fascism.
Referring to the events of the July-August uprising, he said that despite various pressures, many journalists were able to courageously present the truth to the people of the country. “We were able to inform people that not everyone, but many of us were there. It was because we were there that the light was lit. An opportunity was created to drive away fascism. This is a place of hope. We have to present these things to the people,” he added.
Speaking at the event, former president of Dhaka Reporters Unity, Shakhawat Hossain Badsha, said that journalists must keep in mind all aspects and overall situations while working. He believes that the workshop on the non-violence approach will be helpful for reporters in their work.
Thanking the news agency Presenza for creating such an opportunity, the president of Dhaka Reporters Unity, Abu Saleh Akon, said that they will work jointly with more domestic and foreign media and related organizations in the future to enhance the professional skills of the Dhaka Reporters Unity members. This will enable members to develop themselves as skilled in new subjects in line with the changing times.
Dhaka Reporters Unity President Abu Saleh Akon receiving the certificate from the chief guest of the event.
General Secretary of Dhaka Reporters Unity, Mainul Hassan Sohel, said that Presenza-DRU will work on more new issues in the coming days. Alongside this, they will also work with institutions like PIB on important issues including investigative journalism, which will make it easier for members to carry out their professional work in their respective fields.
Speaking at the certificate distribution ceremony for the participants of the workshop on ‘Reporting on Non-Violence Approach’, Panel Editor of Pressenza, Dhaka Bureau, Shamsul Haq Basunia, said that Pressenza is an affiliate of the International Humanist Movement. It is a news organization dedicated to the cause of peace and non-violence. They address the non-violence approach for the professional skills and excellence of journalists worldwide.
Panel Editor of Dhaka Bureau, Sheikh Arif, said that the international press agency Pressenza currently publishes news in 10 languages. Bangla language is soon to be added to their news coverage. This will allow Bangla-speaking people to easily read all the important news of the world through Presenza. Not only that, but Pressenza will also launch its workstation in Bangladesh, like in other countries. This is a significant achievement for them.
The event, moderated by DRU’s Information Technology and Training Secretary Burhanuddin, was also attended by the organization’s Organizing Secretary Abdul Hai Tuhin, Women Affairs Secretary Rozina Rozi, Publicity and Publication Secretary Mizan Chowdhury, Welfare Secretary Rofiq Mirdha, Executive Members Aminul Haq Bhuiyan, Sumon Chowdhury, among others.
