BSS-27 Investigative journalism can check graft: speakers

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ZCZC

BSS-27

PIB- TRAINING

Investigative journalism can check graft: speakers

KHULNA, June 12, 2018 (BSS) – Speakers at a function here today said corruption would have no place Bangladesh, if investigative journalism continues in the country.

Investigative journalism can help resist corruption, they said, addressing the closing ceremony of a three-day investigative journalism training held at the conference room of Khulna Circuit House.

In cooperation with Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) and GIZ, a German Organisation, Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB) organised the training programme.

Director General of PIB Shah Alamgir chaired the function while Secretary of ACC Dr Shamsul Arefin addressed it as the chief guest.

Director of ACC in Khulna Division Dr Hasan Ali, GIZ Officer Ali Reza and coordinator of the programme and President of Khulna Union of Journalist (KUJ) S M Zahid Hossain, addressed as special guests. ACC secretary Dr Arefin said journalists should act as the independent voice of the public, and they should not be intimidated by power or influenced by special interests, advertisers or news sources.

The independence of journalism must not be compromised for conflict of interest, he added.

“For all journalists, accountability is fundamental. You must be ready to explain to the public the reasons for your investigations. You must be ready to respond to complaints and to explain how and why a story was investigated. But foremost, you must be ready to quickly correct any error. It is equally vital that you provide the opportunity for individuals or organisations to respond to the results of your investigations,” he said.

A total of 20 journalists from print, electronic and online media took part in the training on investigative journalism where noted journalists Ishtiak Reza and Julfiqar Ali Manik acted as resource persons.

BSS/ZH/GA/1823 hrs