Independent media can strengthen democratic society and state system
Photo Collected
There have always been obstacles or limitations in the way of free journalism. But independent media can strengthen a democratic society and state. The speakers in the discussion meeting and seminar in Comilla University said these things.
On the occasion of World Free Media Day, Comilla University Friends Meeting organized this Thursday. The panelists highlighted the current media freedom, fact-checking and ethical challenges of journalism.
বিজ্ঞাপন
The program started at 10:30 am in the conference room of BBA faculty of the university and lasted for about four hours. More than hundred students from different departments of the university participated in it.
Professor Sohrab Uddin, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, spoke as a guest in the inaugural session. He said that this kind of organization is of special importance in Comilla University. As a reader, he thinks that if opportunities increase, the quality of work also increases. Prothom Alo Bandhu Sabha is creating a positive field in the society through various creative works.
বিজ্ঞাপন
Professor GM Moniruzzaman of the Bengali Department of the University said that the media works as the voice of the common people. This seminar will increase the media awareness of university students. Also the truth will encourage students to speak out against misinformation or fake news.
Professor Nahida Begum, Director of Student Counseling and Guidance Office of the University said that the relationship between media and society is sour and sweet and this workshop will be very useful for students.
Head of Mass Communication and Journalism Department Mahmudul Hasan said in his speech, how good the media is, it can be understood how advanced or good a country is. The more independent the media, the greater the accountability in society.
The main speaker of the seminar was Zafar Sadiq, President of the National Board of Directors of Bandhu Sabha and Senior Broadcaster of Time Television. He said, when people’s words come in the newspaper, people believe it. A solid foundation of newspapers works behind this trust building. However, media neutrality is a big challenge now. The biggest thing is that there is no media in this world that is 100% impartial. Despite this, the role of the media in protecting civil rights is unique.
The speaker of the seminar, Johny Alam, associate professor of mathematics department of the university, said that the freedom of the media can be hindered not only by the state sector, but also by any institution. If journalism is unethical, people’s trust is at risk. Maintaining digital security and journalistic ethics are major challenges in this age of technology.
Mutasim Billah, founder of Feature Writers Association of Bangladesh and Assistant Professor of Archeology Department of the University, discussed ‘Decolonizing Journalism’. He highlighted the importance of presenting news in the light of local people’s own culture, religion, region and tradition.
Another discussant of the seminar, Moshiur Rahman, a teacher in the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, said, “We are living in a time where news finds us.” Algorithms are stealing our attention on social media. But lies mixed with truth can never be freedom.
Moinul Raqib, a lecturer of the same department, said about the confusion of information, that something should be treated as information only after proper investigation. Don’t believe everything you see, ask questions and increase your media literacy.
Prothom Alo Comilla Representative Abdur Rahman, Adviser of Bandhu Sabha National Council Ashikuzzaman Abhi and Publicity and Publication Secretary Ashfakur Rahman delivered greetings under the chairmanship of Comilla University Bandhu Sabha General Secretary Farhad Kauchar.
CCN University of Science and Technology and Restaurant ‘Zaitoon’ of Comilla collaborated in organizing the event. Majedur Rahman congratulated Zaitoon.
The seminar was conducted by Amina Kabir (Shreshta) and Niloy Sarkar, members of Comilla University Bandhu Sabha. Bandhu Sabha members Saima Haque and Mehraj Alvi performed songs on the occasion.
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