Media can hold the powerful accountable
Mass media can play a role similar to that of the parliament and make powerful people accountable when democracy does not work, said Dr Syed Manzoorul Islam, Ombudsperson of Transparency International Bangladesh.
Manzoorul was addressing a discussion titled “Challenges to Investigative Journalism in the Context of Encroachment of Mass Media”, held at TIB’s office yesterday. Following the discussion, TIB awarded journalists for the best investigative reports of 2018.
“I still believe our security largely depends on journalists. Journalists are the poets of security. Because of you [journalists], we learn about corruption and learn how to distinguish between right and wrong,” he said.
Speaking about the state of teachers’ associations in public universities, Dr Manzoorul said, “sometimes I feel ashamed of introducing myself as a university teacher when I see the state of my colleagues. Teachers’ associations have become obedient to the government these days”.
He asked journalists to not take their jobs as a mere profession but approach it with passion.
“If you really pursue good news, media owners will be forced to back you,” he added.
Renowned columnist Afsan Chowdhury also spoke at the event. Terming the current media structure an ancient one, he asked journalists to embrace digital platforms.
Dr Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of TIB, said, “in our country, the risk is higher for investigative journalism. But journalists need to survive through this risk.”
To encourage risky journalism, TIB has been giving awards to journalists for the last 21 years, he added.
Awards were given under four categories – Print Media (Local), Print Media (National), Electronic Media (Report), and Electronic Media (Documentary).
The awardees are: eight reporters of Gramer Kagoz of Jashore for a report on corruption in maternity allowance; Prothom Alo’s Fakhrul Islam Harun for a report on graft in Titas Gas; Channel 24’s Iqbal Ahsan for a report on Sonali Bank’s loan scam; and Maasranga Television’s investigation team for documentaries.
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