Thirteen journalists were honored with awards for their outstanding and comprehensive news coverage on prevention of child drowning.
The award ceremony took place at the Nasrul Hamid Auditorium of Dhaka Reporters Unity on Sunday, reads a press release.
The awardees included Afrin Appy (The Business Post), Jenaa Kabir Shuchona (Channel 24), Partha Shankar Saha (Prothom Alo), Masud Rana (Jagonews24), Sohagi Akhtar (Somoy Tribune), Jharna Moni (Bhorer Kagoj), Kawser Soheli (Maasranga TV), Nilima Jahan (Daily Star), Swapna Chokroborty (Janakantha), Zahidur Rahman (Samakal), Sajib Ahmed (Kaler Kantha), Ashif Islam Shaon (The Business Post), and Arefin Tanjib (Channel I online).
Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud graced the occasion as the chief guest.
Dhaka University's former vice-chancellor and Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Director Professor Dr AAMS Arefin Siddique chaired the event.
Representatives from various public and private organizations and national and local media were in attendance.
The award program was organized by SoMaSHTe with support from the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI).
The awards were given in three categories - print newspaper, television, and online.
Additionally, a journalist from the district level was also recognized.
The guests presented trophies and certificates to the deserving winners.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud expressed the government's dedication to collaborating with the media and other stakeholders to find sustainable solutions to the grave issue of child drowning.
He emphasized the effectiveness of recognizing journalists for their contributions to public-interest topics, stating that it would motivate them to delve deeper into their reporting while enabling the government to take effective initiatives.
Professor Dr AAMS Arefin Siddique acknowledged the influential role of mass media in raising public awareness and showcasing government initiatives.
He encouraged print and online media outlets to regularly publish in-depth news on child drowning prevention while broadcasting media could contribute by airing documentaries and TV commercials on the subject.
Such efforts, he believed, would enhance awareness at the individual level and garner the attention of policymakers within the government.
