Renowned journalists from across Bangladesh gathered to talk about various challenges in the sector at a session titled “Journalism Under Pressure” held on the second day of the 10th edition of the Dhaka Lit Festival on Friday.
Conducted by Tanim Ahmed, the session was held on the premises of the Bangla Academy.
General Secretary of Jatiya Press Club and Editor of Bhorer Kagoj Shyamol Dutta, Editor of Protidiner Bangladesh Mustafiz Shafi, Editor of Bangla Tribune Zulfiqer Russell and senior journalist Mohsin Habib were present at the session.
Stating that media literacy is a challenge in journalism, Shyamol Dutta said: “We still lack in the area of what the reader will assume to be credible news published in newspaper or television.”
Regarding the Digital Security Act, he said journalists have protested against this act. It is imperative to see what role the press club, Editors Council or any other organizations are playing in this matter, he said.
“Facing every challenge and all, we must return to the ideology of the Liberation War. Only then can we ensure accountability,” Shyamol Dutta said.
Regarding the challenges district correspondents face, Bangla Tribune Editor Zulfiqer Russell said: “Those who work as district reporters are at more risk. They have to deal with the administration, political leaders and businessmen. It is a great challenge.”
Mustafiz Shafi, the editor of Protidiner Bangladesh, commented that journalism has flourished whenever it has been under pressure. “Journalism is an addiction, without this addiction, there is no journalism,” he said.
“I am ready to face any challenge in the future. I am ready to go to jail even,” Shafi said.
“Society should be made tolerant in the spirit of the Liberation War. It needs a cultural awakening,” he added.
Even in the age of technological excellence, the editor of Protidiner Bangladesh commented that the print version of the newspaper will not be lost.
“I am not worried about where print newspapers will stand after 10 years. I am even not worried about the future of journalism in this country. If people can understand right and wrong news, they will benefit from both online and print newspapers. The change will come through the hands of the new generation,” Shafi added.
