United News of Bangladesh (UNB) hosted its District Correspondents' Conference on Saturday (1 Feb), reaffirming its unwavering commitment to unbiased and credible journalism in the face of a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Held at Cosmos Centre, Malibagh, Dhaka, the event highlighted the evolving new media, stressing the importance of district correspondents adapting to digital platforms while maintaining journalistic integrity and accuracy in their reporting.
UNB hosts district correspondents’ conference; highlights fair journalism
Bangladesh’s iconic photographer Shahidul Alam inaugurated the conference as the Guest of Honour. Shahidul Alam, also the founder of Drik Picture Library and Pathshala, later engaged with correspondents on the evolving media landscape.
Analysing a number of global and local photographs, he provided valuable insights, encouraging correspondents to approach visual storytelling with both depth and originality.
Commenting on the importance of photojournalism, Shahidul Alam said, “Many newsrooms often fail to prioritise photographs. Several media houses in Bangladesh do not even have photo editors. I started photography believing it to be my most powerful tool and I still stand by that belief. If I were to begin today, I would focus on mastering social media as it has become immensely powerful. I would also work with AI, as it is shaping the future of journalism. A written post alone never goes viral, but if accompanied by an image or video, it has a higher chance of reaching a wider audience.”
UNB’s Commitment to Impartial Journalism
UNB’s Emeritus Editor Enayetullah Khan said that neutrality remains the only asset in journalism. “Bangladesh’s media landscape has undergone significant change recently, leading to upheaval in many newsrooms. However, UNB remains an exception, having consistently upheld impartial journalism for nearly four decades.”
UNB Executive Editor Nahar Khan welcomed the district correspondents and discussed the challenges and opportunities in the evolving media industry.
She underscored the importance of integrity and innovation in journalism, and shared instances where news coverage compelled the government to take swift action.
“The country is experiencing major transformations, with political unrest still posing challenges. However, every challenge presents an opportunity. Media houses gain public trust during crises, and in an era where misinformation spreads rapidly, responsible journalism becomes even more crucial,” Nahar Khan said.
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She said, “We must embrace innovation while maintaining integrity. Journalism has the power to bring about systemic change and impact people's lives. While reporting, think about the potential effects of your stories on the nation and its people.”
Citing an example, Nahar Khan said, “When reports on the sudden flooding in Sunamganj were published, the government responded promptly with emergency measures. Without media coverage, the crisis could have escalated further.”
Panel Discussions on Key Journalism Issues
The conference featured discussions on environmental journalism, fact-checking and media laws.
Panelists included Michael Kugelman, Director of the South Asia Institute at Washington’s Wilson Centre; media personality Afsan Chowdhury; WildTeam CEO Dr Anwarul Islam; security analyst Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Mohd. Aminul Karim; and Supreme Court lawyer Zahirul Islam Musa. UNB’s Advisory Editor Farid Hossain, Editor Mahfuzur Rahman and Dhaka Courier’s Executive Editor Shayan S. Khan also spoke at the event.
Afsan Chowdhury, a veteran journalist and researcher, provided insights on economic reporting, urging district correspondents to focus on Bangladesh’s dual economic structure—formal and informal. “Around 70-75% of the country’s economy is informal, with little state intervention. However, most of our reporting remains state-centric, ignoring this reality.”
He highlighted the role of migrant workers in sustaining the economy, noting that 25 million Bangladeshis work abroad, primarily in Saudi Arabia and Malaysia. “These expatriates contribute more to the economy than the 50 million people working domestically. Our perception of Bangladesh is outdated. The country exists beyond its borders due to its global economic dependencies. Journalists must recognise this when reporting.”
Professor Dr. Anwarul Islam, former faculty member of the Department of Zoology at Dhaka University, highlighted the role of journalists in fostering a relationship between people and the environment, pointing out that any environmental or ecosystem change will impact the social environment.
He said that they had been working on wildlife conservation nationwide. In 2009, he realised the need to focus on a specific area, and they chose tigers. “If tigers survive, the entire Sundarbans will thrive. Protecting the Sundarbans will preserve biodiversity, and in turn, ensure our survival,” he said.
According to Dr. Anwar, the Sundarbans faces immense pressure, with 76 villages and eight districts surrounding it, many of whom rely on its resources. Four million people depend on the Sundarbans, and the question is whether it can sustain such pressure. Besides, the protective role the Sundarbans plays for the region may no longer be available.
He emphasised that without political will and public involvement, nothing will survive. “The environmental pressure will affect society, and it is crucial to consider what we are leaving for future generations,” he added.
Security analyst Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Mohammad Aminul Karim said, “Journalism serves as a vital institution to keep the nation informed. However, the erosion of moral values and rampant corruption threaten progress.”
He emphasised the potential of the blue economy, urging journalists to focus on Bangladesh’s maritime resources. “Without exploring the Bay of Bengal, our future remains uncertain. The fisheries and aquaculture sector contributes $100 billion annually to the global economy, generating 260 million jobs.”
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Sustainable development should be a priority for policymakers, he said, adding, “For Bangladesh to thrive, we must invest in the sea. If we fail to claim our share of the ocean, our survival will be at risk.”
He also pointed out the environmental risks posed by plastic pollution in the Bay of Bengal and warned about the deterioration of the Sundarbans. “We must protect the world’s largest mangrove forest.”
Recognising Excellence in Journalism
UNB awarded its district correspondents Hossain Malik (Chuadanga), Sheikh Didarul Alam (Khulna) and Saiful Islam Shilpi (Chattogram) for their outstanding performance in 2024.
The conference saw participation of over 100 journalists from Dhaka and various districts across the country.
Founded in 1988 as South Asia’s first fully digitalised news agency, UNB partnered with the Associated Press (AP) to establish itself as a key player in Bangladesh’s media industry. As a member of the News Agencies World Congress (NAWC), UNB continues to uphold the highest standards of accuracy and authenticity in journalism.