Journalists must know their own rights: BPC chairman
Chairman of the Bangladesh Press Council (BPC) Justice A K M Abdul Hakim has said journalism is a prestigious and responsible profession. "To uphold the dignity and professional standards of this profession, journalists themselves must be aware of their own rights," he said. Justice Abdul Hakim said this today while conducting a session at a training workshop titled "Importance of Implementation of Laws and Regulations Related to Rights and Professional Responsibilities for Ensuring Professionalism of Media Workers".
Bangladesh Press Council organised the workshop at the Rajshahi Circuit House conference hall with the participation of journalists from the print and electronic media of Rajshahi district. Emphasizing the proper implementation of existing laws and regulations for protecting journalists' rights and fulfilling professional responsibilities, Justice Abdul Hakim said the Bangladesh Press Council is working on issues related to the rights and professional interests of journalists.
He said there is scope to take necessary initiatives for the implementation of relevant laws and regulations. If journalists come forward responsibly with awareness of their own rights, the freedom and professionalism of the profession will be further strengthened. The Press Council Chairman said that it is necessary to ensure the lawful professional rights of journalists, including appointment letters and identity cards.
At the same time, professional organisations of journalists must conduct their activities in accordance with relevant laws and regulations. He also emphasized improving the skills and professional standards of young journalists through training. At that time, he urged journalists to maintain verification of information, objectivity, impartiality and professional ethics in news dissemination.
The workshop was inaugurated by the Press Council Chairman as the chief guest, presided over by Rajshahi Deputy Commissioner Kazi Shahidul Islam. Deputy Commissioner of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Gaziur Rahman was present as special guest at the event while the welcome speech was delivered by Deputy Principal Information Officer of Rajshahi PID Md. Touhiduzzaman. Bangladesh Press Council Secretary Md. Abdus Sabur conducted a session in the training as a resource person.
Forty journalists from various print and electronic media in Rajshahi district participated in the workshop. The workshop discussed the professional rights and responsibilities of journalists, journalistic ethics, relevant laws and regulations, and ensuring professionalism in the mass media. Later, the speakers answered various questions from the participating journalists.
