NN Online:
UNESCO Dhaka Office and UNDP Bangladesh jointly held a two-day capacity-building workshop titled “Self-Regulation in Media: Fostering an Environment for a Free Press and Pluralistic Media in Bangladesh” from July 1–2 at Drik Gallery, Dhaka.
The workshop brought together more than 30 key stakeholders, including senior journalists, editors, academics, content creators, and civil society representatives, to explore media self-regulation tools aligned with both national and international standards.
Renowned media law expert Prof. Dr. Joan Barata Mir led sessions alongside UNESCO officials Mehdi Benchelah and Lena Fox, MRDI Executive Director Hasibur Rahman, and Dhaka Tribune Acting Editor Reaz Ahmad.
Discussions focused on distinctions between self-regulation and statutory control, ethical journalism practices, challenges faced by women in media, and the media’s role during political transitions.
UNESCO Bangladesh Representative Dr. Susan Vize described the initiative as a step toward building an independent, inclusive, and ethical media landscape. UNDP’s Anowarul Haq emphasized the media’s role as a cornerstone of democracy, while Paola Castro Neiderstam from the Swedish Embassy highlighted that responsible self-regulation enhances public trust and combats sensationalism.
Sohel Ibn Ali of the Swiss Embassy underscored the importance of amplifying underrepresented voices, particularly during Bangladesh’s ongoing democratic transition.
The workshop follows the joint UNESCO-UNDP Media Needs Assessment, identifying self-regulation as key to strengthening journalism in the country. It is supported by UNESCO’s Multi-Donor Programme on Freedom of Expression and UNDP’s SIPS project, funded by the Embassy of Switzerland.
Participants concluded the event with a shared commitment to developing ethical guidelines aimed at enhancing accountability, safeguarding press freedom, and improving media standards in Bangladesh.
