Mohammad Sharifuzzaman :
To mark World Press Freedom Day, Bangladeshi Journalists in International Media (BJIM) organized a symposium on Saturday (May 3) afternoon at Alliance Française de Dhaka.
In the first half of the event, Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Honorable Chief Adviser, participated in a Q&A session with the audience on the state of the media in post-uprising Bangladesh. The session was moderated by journalist Sharif Khiyam Ahmed.
In the second half, a panel discussion was held featuring six prominent journalists: Saleem Samad, Ayesha Kabir, journalist and researcher M Abul Kalam Azad, Omar Faroque, Muktadir Rashid, and Zyma Islam. The discussion shed light on the transformations and adaptations within the field of Bangladeshi journalism.
BJIM convenor Sam Jahan chaired the symposium while delivered by the organization’s Secretary, Muhammad Ali Mazed.
After the Q&A session, Shafiqul Alam addressed young journalists, saying, “Keep writing with an open mind. The more you write, the stronger journalism becomes. The government will learn from its mistakes, and democracy will be strengthened.”
Sam Jahan, in his keynote speech, remarked, “For the first time in many years—or perhaps ever—World Press Freedom Day is being celebrated so publicly in Bangladesh. We are truly delighted to be the organizers of this event.”
The event also featured a celebration of BJIM member Tasneem Khalil and his news outlet Netra News for receiving the prestigious Shorenstein Award from Stanford University, which was acknowledged with applause.
Muhammad Ali Mazed added, “Our goal today is to reflect on the challenges journalism has faced in our country over recent years, and also to consider where we could have done better in upholding professional ethics. Press freedom does not only mean being free from external influence—it also means being free from internal bias.”
Beh Lih Yi, Asia Program Coordinator at the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), addressed BJIM and Bangladeshi journalists, stating, “Your reporting kept the world informed throughout some of the country’s most important events last year… I hope this new era ushers in more freedom and space for you to do your job, and CPJ will continue to stand with you on this journey.”
The symposium was attended by leading journalists, media and human rights activists, politicians, columnists, students, and members of the general public. The event concluded with enthusiastic participation from the audience.
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