A three-day workshop on election reporting for female journalists concluded in Rajshahi, aiming to strengthen grassroots-level reporting skills and promote responsible, data-driven journalism.
The training brought together participants from Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions and focused on improving professional capacity in covering elections effectively.
The program was jointly organized by UNESCO Bangladesh and South Asia Center for Media in Development (SACMID) at BRAC Learning Center in Rajshahi.
Dr. Susan Vize joined the event virtually and delivered a keynote address.
Special guest Professor Dr. Md. Mozammel Hossain Bokul, Chairman of Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at University of Rajshahi, emphasized the importance of professionalism, sensitivity and responsibility in grassroots election coverage.
Dr. Jannatul Jahan, Chairman of Department of Communication and Journalism at North Bengal International University, also addressed the participants.
Over the three days, the workshop covered topics such as reporting on local power structures, governance and decision-making processes; safety and risk management for women journalists and fact-checking and information integrity.
The sessions included interactive discussions, group exercises and hands-on activities to strengthen participants’ professional skills.
Participating journalists gained practical knowledge on election processes, verification of information, safety and risk management and effective election reporting strategies.
Among those present at the event were Abu Sufian, Program Officer (Community Mobilization and Advocacy), SACMID; Ali Haser Al Amin, Program Assistant and Fellow, SACMID; Shakil M. Faisal, Project Lead of “UN Ballot Project”; Rakibul Islam, Consultant, UNESCO; Mostafiz Gani, Lecturer at Varendra University; and Kadruddin Shishir, Founder of The Descent.
The organizers expressed hope that this training will enable women journalists to pursue more responsible, data-driven and professional journalism in future election coverage.
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