Published: 23 September 2024
Recently, a dynamic three-day training session took place at the Dhanmondi office of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB). The main goal of the event was to enhance the investigative reporting skills of journalists working in the renewable energy field. To promote effective reporting techniques and tackle the complex issues of governance in Bangladesh's energy sector, the training, titled "Challenges of Good Governance in Renewable Energy Generation in Bangladesh: Enhancing Journalists' Capacity for Investigative Reporting”.
The event begun with an address from Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, the Executive Director of TIB. He acknowledged the attendees for their dedication to enhancing governance across media. He highlighted TIB's commitment to uplifting mass media, particularly in rural and regional areas, to tackle the challenges faced by the sector. Dr. Iftekharuzzaman also stated the various internal and external challenges that journalists encounter in their profession. Staying connected with each other will ensure ongoing professional support, and he encouraged the participants to apply their newfound knowledge in real-world scenarios.
At the beginning of the session on September 21, 2024, Mohammad Tauhidul Islam, Director of Outreach and Communication, presented the workshop principles and objectives. The vibe of sharing ideas filled the room as participants, primarily journalists from diverse backgrounds, shared what they wanted to achieve from the workshop.
Newazul Moula, the coordinator of the Energy Governance Project, emphasized the crucial role journalists play in addressing issues related to governance in the energy sector. The ongoing fluctuations in legal compliance pose significant challenges to effective energy management in Bangladesh, a topic he elaborated on.
Hasan Mehedi, the Chief Executive of the Coastal Livelihood and Environmental Action Network (CLEAN), led a session focused on the global context and the significance of renewable energy within Bangladesh's electricity sector. Trainees explored the intricacies of the nation's energy scene by engaging in the calculation of power generation and consumption. To conclude the program, participants collaborated in small groups to present their discoveries and motivate each other to express their ideas.
On the second day, Prothom Alo's Special Correspondent Golam Iftekhar Mahmud set off by discussing the dynamics of the power and energy sector, highlighting both the opportunities and obstacles faced in reporting on this vital area. He emphasized the importance of having accessible and reliable information sources for precise reporting on sustainable and renewable energy.
Following Newazul Moula's recap of the discussions from the day before on September 22, Mohammad Tauhidul Islam took charge of the next session. In this segment, they explored the importance of prioritizing the collection and reporting of renewable energy data. They assigned journalists to various online platforms that could assist in collecting essential data for their inquiries.
Rafiqul Islam Montu, the Coastal Regional Correspondent, wrapped up the program with an engaging session focused on tackling challenges in local report preparation. He emphasized the pressing climate and environmental issues tied to Bangladesh's power plants and provided actionable solutions for journalists to navigate these obstacles.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman emphasized how the training significantly enhanced the effectiveness of journalists. He assured everyone that TIB will remain a steadfast support for journalists, especially those outside Dhaka, as they navigate the challenges of their profession. Moreover, he emphasized TIB's dedication to fostering top-notch investigative journalism in Bangladesh by unveiling a special recognition award for three outstanding trainee narratives.
The training program focused on empowering journalists and enhancing governance in the renewable energy sector that wrapped up with receiving certificates from the Executive Director, marking the successful conclusion of the initiative.
