World press freedom day has been observed at Rajshahi University in Bangladesh today by Rajshahi University Journalist Association (RUJA).
On the occasion of the day, RUJA brought out a procession on campus in front of the RUJA office at 10:00am with the theme “let journalism thrive towards better reporting, gender equality and media safety in digital age”.
A seminar titled “Freedom of Speech and Surety for better future” also held at deans’ bhavan of the university followed the procession around 11:00am.
At the beginning of the seminar, a one-minute silence is observed expressing honor in the memory of the martyrs who have been killed at the war and language movement and have dedicated their lives in journalism fields.
Amjad Hossain Shimul, the vice president gave the welcome speech at the seminar while Mahbub Alam, the general secretary of RUJA conducted the programme.
Prof Muhammad Mizanuddin, the vice chancellor and Prof Chowdhury Sarwar Jahan, the Pro Vice-Chancellor of the university were present as chief guest and special guest on the seminar respectively while M. A. Sayeed Shuvo, president of RUJA and also RU Correspondent of The Daily Star presided.
A key note was presented by Mamun Abdul Kaium, teacher of mass communication and journalism department of the university while Prof Biswajit Chanda, dean of law faculty, Prof Moshiur Rahman and Prof Pradip Kumar Pandy of mass coummincation and journalism department of the university were the key speakers.
Discussants at seminar emphasized on the safety of the journalists and combating impunity for crimes against freedom of expression.
They had drawn attention of the concerned authority for freedom of mass media to ensure the right practice of democracy in the country.
Prof Mizanuddin said, journalists have to be independent economically as well as the mindset of the government for ensuring the freedom of press.
Stressing the economic misery to the journalists as hinder to freedom of press he said, it may create the tendency of corruption among the journalists especially in the rural area.
Prof Biswajit Chanda, dean of law faculty in his speech urged the government to ensure the speedy trial of the country’s journalist murder recently including Sagor-Runi murder.
Among others, Prof Elias Hossain, public relation administrator, Prof Sadequl Arefin Matin, student’s advisers and all correspondent of the university were present at seminar. – Via Google News
