Published: 05 September 2023
Dhaka, 5 September 2023: As Bangladesh prepares for its upcoming national parliamentary election, the crucial role of the media in uncovering irregularities and ensuring transparency cannot be overstated. Journalists, often facing challenges and threats, have historically been the vanguards of truth during election reporting.
Recognizing the significance of their mission, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) recently organized a training workshop, titled ‘Election Reporting Skills for The Reporters Forum for Election & Democracy (RFED),’ aimed at enhancing the skills of 41 journalists from both electronic and print media.
Held at TIB's Dhanmondi office, the day-long training consisted of four informative sessions, each addressing different aspects of election reporting. This event not only provided a platform for learning but also served as a forum for journalists to explore the vast potential of election reporting while sharpening their commitment to delivering news with integrity and accuracy.
Former Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) Dr. M Sakhawat Hussain, led the first session, 'Level Playing Field for Election: Laws & Implementation,' delving into the complexities of election monitoring, electoral laws, and the pivotal role of the media.
The second session, 'Collection of Electoral Information and Validation,' was expertly conducted by veteran reporter and The Business Standard's Deputy Executive Director, Shakhawat Liton. It explored the art of gathering election-related news and holding election authorities accountable through compelling stories.
The third session, 'Election Reporting: Opportunities and Challenges,' was led by seasoned journalist and Bangladesh Parliament Journalist Association (BRJA) president, Harun Al Rashid. This session shed light on the numerous challenges faced by media houses during elections.
The final session, titled 'Investigative Journalism on Election,' was conducted by experienced journalist and MRDI Head of Capacity Building & Investigative Journalism Help Desk, Md. Badruddozza Babu. It provided journalists with valuable insights into investigative reporting techniques and strategies tailored specifically for election periods.
Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, TIB's Executive Director, emphasized the organization's commitment to supporting journalists in promoting freedom of expression. TIB rejects guidelines that limit their access to polling centres and vehicle use. Furthermore, TIB has plans to collaborate more closely with journalists on Data Journalism, including initiatives during the upcoming election, which will prove advantageous for the journalistic community.
