DHAKA, Aug 17, 2026 (BSS) - A delegation of SAARC Journalist Forum (SJF) from  Bangladesh Chapter called on Rinzin Wangchuk, a central executive member of the SJF,  yesterday.  The delegation visited Bhutan at the invitation of Rinzin and held a meeting with the executive committee member at Thimpu, said a press release received here today. During the meeting, they exchanged views on various issues centering enhancement of mutual cooperation among SAARC journalists from member countries.  They discussed issues, especially the problems the member countries are now  facing, and stressed the need for more cooperation from respective governments to overcome the problems and help them to develop skills and discharge their responsibilities efficiently with due honour. Development training focusing AI (Artificial Intelligence) for SAARC members as well as the importance of fostering peace, democracy, and press freedom across South Asia were also highlighted in the meeting. Since it's inception SAARC Journalist Forum through various conferences and seminars urged concerned authorities and the organization to keep members informed of future initiatives for further strengthening of regional collaboration. Rinzin Wangchuk is the former President of the Journalists Association of Bhutan and former Editor of Kuensel, the country’s leading national newspaper. Bangladesh delegation arrived in Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan, on August 15 following their participation in a four-day International Indigenous Journalism Conference held in Kathmandu, Nepal from August 9 to 12. Led by senior journalist Md. Ziaur Rahman, the delegation included Md Abdur Rahman, Secretary General, SAARC Journalist Forum and Senior Correspondent, The Bangladesh Post, Mushtaq Ahmed Mubaraqui, Editor, The Daily Bongobani, Md. Ziaur Rahman, Special Correspondent, The Daily Aajkal,Mohammad Muniruzzaman, Editor, Daily Bank Beema Economics, Panna Zaman, Managing Editor, Daily Amar Bangla and Md Abu Bakar Siddique, Senior Correspondent, Daily Aajker Provat.  

NILPHAMARI, Aug 17, 2026 (BSS) - Nilphamari Sadar Upazila has been declared free of child marriage, child labour and school dropouts. The declaration was made at a programme held at the Sadar Upazila Parishad auditorium this afternoon, organised by World Vision Bangladesh. Government officials, elected representatives, religious leaders, Nikah registrars and representatives from different professions attended the programme. Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mubashira Amatullah attended the programme as the chief guest, while World Vision Bangladesh Nilphamari Area Manager Anukul Chandra Barman presided over it. Sadar Upazila Education Officer ATM Nurul Amin Shah, Sadar Upazila Union Parishad Chairmen Association President Abdur Rouf, former general secretary of Nilphamari Press Club Nur Alam and Imam of Natkhana Jame Mosque Ramzan Ali, among others, spoke at the programme. Anukul Chandra Barman said 16 child marriages had already been prevented and 54 children had been brought back to school in the upazila. He said awareness had been raised through meetings and courtyard gatherings involving people from different sections of society. Chief guest UNO Mubashira Amatullah said people were aware of the negative consequences of child marriage, child labour and school dropout. "If awareness is created within families, children can be protected from child marriage, child labour and dropping out of school," she said.