Investigative journalism faces crucial challenge

Observe discussion participants

30 November 2011, 18:00 PM

Staff Correspondent

Award winners of investigative journalism with guests, including Information Minister Abul Kalam Azad, at Brac Centre Inn in the city yesterday. Photo: STAR

Speakers at a discussion yesterday said the growing corporate interest in journalism has come as a "mixed blessing". While it usually means ulterior business interests, it also translates to more cash inflow for a sector that has remained comparatively underprivileged, they said. They made the remarks at a programme on "Challenges of investigative journalism in Bangladesh: the way forward" organised by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) at Brac Centre Inn in the city. “[Corporate houses] are making big entries in media with big capitals,” said Moazzem Hossain, editor of The Financial Express. “While I can't oppose it, it is nevertheless alarming for society.” Big capital is tied to business perspectives, which could ultimately harm journalism as a profession in the longer term, he said. “Although journalism cannot function without capital, it is an issue and a big dilemma,” said Dr Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of TIB. At the programme, TIB handed over awards to five journalists for their outstanding investigative reports. The awardees are Mohammad Naymuddin of the weekly Sheersha Kagoj, HM Alauddin of Daily Purbanchal in Khulna, AHM Ahsanullah of Daily Chandpur, ATN News special correspondent Mashudul Haque and cameraman Habibur Rahman. Speakers said investigative journalism in the country has come a long way over the years. But it faces some crucial challenges. The challenges include lack of institutional support, adequate resources and professional training, they added. Speaking as the chief guest, Information Minister Abul Kalam Azad said owners of media houses should be more cautious about the principles of journalism. Ensuring financial and job security for journalists is not enough, he said, urging the owners to introduce more training programmes for their staff. Speaking as the chair, former advisor to a caretaker government Sultana Kamal said all human rights violation cases should be resolved immediately. If people see the human rights violation cases solved, they will get courage and feel safer, she said. Member of TIB trustee board M Hafizuddin Khan and Dhaka University Journalism department teachers Dr Shakhawat Ali Khan and Dr Golam Rahman were also present at the programme.