Inclusive development requires the participation of all segments of society, especially the marginalized. To ensure equality, the voices of these communities must reach policymakers.
However, mainstream media often overlook the issues of ethnic minorities and other marginalized groups. Local media, particularly community radios, have a unique opportunity to bridge this gap due to their proximity to these communities. By amplifying the voices of marginalized ethnic minorities, local media can hold authorities accountable and contribute to improving their lives.
These insights were highlighted on Monday at a national learning-sharing event organized by the media and development organization SoMaSHTe in Dhaka, according to a press release.
Media professionals, ethnic community representatives, and experts emphasized the need for focused efforts in this area.
The event, part of the project titled “Promoting the Voice of Plainland Ethnic Minorities in Civic Space through Community Media,” was chaired by former Secretary and SoMaSHTe Chairperson Abu Alam Md. Shahid Khan.
SoMaSHTe’s Executive Director, Mir Masruruzzaman, presented key aspects of the project. During the event, a toolkit titled “The Voice of Marginalized Ethnic Communities: Community Radio Guide” was launched.
Supported by the Free Press Unlimited in partnership with Article 19, the project was funded by the European Union. Launched in January 2024, this year-long initiative focuses on producing demand-driven, inclusive, and accountable radio programs while empowering young people from ethnic communities to lead in program production.
Speakers at the event stressed the need for community radio programs to address critical issues such as land rights, climate vulnerability, and environmental challenges. They urged authorities to resolve land disputes affecting ethnic communities and ensure justice for those impacted.
Participants highlighted the gap in understanding ethnic community issues among newsroom editors and field reporters, calling for collective efforts to bridge this divide.
Media outlets were urged to raise awareness at the government level and advocate for reforms to recognize unacknowledged ethnic groups under the Cultural Institution of Small Ethnic Groups Act.
