Media experts and journalists at a seminar yesterday said mass media can play a 'third party' role to resolve the present political conflicts, leading to make a culture of peace and tolerance in the country.
Journalists should be more professional in career journalism. They should not publish any news items that goes against the interests of the nation, but should highlight news that helps establish peach in the society, they added.
Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (Biiss) in collaboration with Regional Centre for Strategic Studies (Sri Lanka) and Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict (Netherlands) organised the seminar on 'Role of media in culture of peace and tolerance' at Biiss auditorium in the city to mark the International Day of Peace and Ceasefire-2008.
While presenting a keynote paper on 'Multi-dimensional approaches to conflict resolution: Role of media,' Editor of Bhorer Kagoj Shyamal Dutta said media have to play role in favour of peace.
“Media can play 'third party' role to resolve the conflicts among political parties,” he added.
Mahbubul Alam, former adviser to a caretaker government, said journalists should be trained up to enable them to be more effective towards professionalism.
Speaking as the chief guest, he said, “A news must have its truth, objectivity and non-partiality. Sourcing is very important in the news writing. No news should be printed or telecast which has the possibility to break the peaceful environment in the society.”
Brig Gen (retd) Shahedul Anam Khan, editor of defence and strategic affairs of The Daily Star, said media can reduce the conflicts among the political parties through presenting accurate information, ideas and comments.
While presenting a keynote paper on 'Conflict-sensitive journalism: An overview,' he said, “Our political parties do not have strong communications each other which create conflicts and violence in the country. Media can play a vital role as communicator to make the culture of peace and tolerance.”
Pranab Saha, city editor of the Prothom Alo, presented his keynote paper on 'Role of media in culture of peace and tolerance' where he said media can play the role of building the culture of peace and tolerance if journalists and their media are non-biased.
Prof Syed Anwar Hussain of Dhaka University said Bangladesh media is not playing an effective role in establishing peace in politics and other sectors due to lack of professionalism.
Biiss Board of Governors Chairman Mufleh R Osmany, also former ambassador, moderated the seminar where Chief Editor of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Zaglul Ahmed Chowdhury also spoke.