Work to build peaceful society

Guests with recipients of Unesco Club Journalism Award at a function at Bangladesh National Commission for Unesco in the city. National Association of Unesco Clubs in Bangladesh organised the event.Photo: STAR

Terming peace a tool for strengthening democracy, speakers at a discussion yesterday urged the journalists to work more vigorously for building a peaceful society.
Journalists act the role of the "second parliament" in absence of a parliament in the country, they said, urging the media persons to work with objectivity and accuracy.
National Association of Unesco Clubs in Bangladesh organised the discussion titled “Journalism for Peace” and an award giving ceremony of “Unesco Club Journalism Award-2011” at the Bangladesh National Commission for Unesco in the city.
A total of 17 young journalists of both print and electronic media were awarded for outstanding performance and contribution to journalism.
The award winners are Wasim Bin Habib of The Daily Star, Kamran Reza Chowdhury of The Daily Sun, Mahmudur Rahman of ATN Bangla, Farzana Rupa of Desh TV, Sharmin Rinvy of Bangla Vision, Moursalin Babla of Channel i, Samir Kumar Dey of Ittefaq, Abdul Majid of Samakal, Hossain Zakir of Jugantor, Dilruba Shumi of Shokaler Khabor, Akhil Kumer Podder of Ekushey TV, Tamanna Majumder of Independent TV, Rafiqul Islam of UNB, Akkas Sikder of Prothom Alo Jhalakathi district correspondent, Amirul Momenine Manik of Diganta TV, Zulker Nain Rano of Bangladesh Pratidin, and Amin Al Rasheed of ABC Radio.
Each of the journalists received a crest and a certificate at the event. The association introduced this award in 2006.
State Minister for Cultural Affairs Promod Mankin handed over the awards to the recipients.
Journalists play an important role to establish rule of law, ensure human rights, develop standard of people's lives, said Promod Mankin, adding they have to play role for underprivileged people of the country.
“Journalists always work to maintain stability in the society through their objectives and accurate information that helps ensure peace”, said AAMS Arefin Siddique, vice chancellor of Dhaka University.
It is not possible to have a strong foundation of democracy without peace, he said.
DU Prof Aminul Islam said in absence of parliament of the country journalist work as the "second parliament" and they even play role as the opposition party in absence of them in parliament.
Kiichi Oyasu, officer-in-charge of Unesco Dhaka Office and Mahbubuddin Chowdhury, among others, spoke at the event while Masuda M Rashid Chowdhury, president of Unesco club was in the chair.