A discussion session titled "The July Uprising and Field Journalism" took place on Sunday at the IQAC auditorium of Gono University in Baish Mile, organized by Gono University Journalists' Association (Gobisas) where the speakers emphasised the significant role of the media in uniting people during the anti-discrimination student movement.
They said numerous obstacles and challenges came but journalists and media outlets ensured the flow of information to the public, thereby intensifying the movement, how journalists faced harassment from the authoritarian government and its allies. But they continued fulfilling their professional responsibilities.
The speakers called for constructive criticism of journalistic mistakes while ensuring media freedom to play its vital role.
The event was presided over by Gobisas President Yunus Riaz and moderated by General Secretary Sanjida Jannat Pinky. The session featured remarks from anti-discrimination movement organizers Nasim and Tauhid Ahmad Salehin.
Channel 24's special correspondent Maksud-Un-Nabi highlighted: "Many do not trust journalists and there are valid reasons for this. Some media professionals have previously served authoritarian interests rather than the public. They must regain their ethical foundation to prevent a resurgence of fascism."
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Dr Md Abul Hossain, the chief guest, said: "Journalists are the mirror of society. Even during turbulent times, they risked their lives to deliver news. Gono University, being the first private institution to participate in the movement, witnessed its journalists work responsibly. We are grateful to all of them."
Other speakers included Ariful Islam Sabbir from Ekushey Television, Shamsuzzaman Shams from Prothom Alo, Rifat Mehedi a former president of Gobisas and Ajker Patrika’s Savar correspondent, Tauhid Morshed Noman from RTV and Md Humayun Kabir from Ekhon TV and Dainik Kalbela.
