Media plays catalytic role in ensuring accountability and transparency in the development process including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Bangladesh. As the country is in a dual-journey – graduating from the group of Least Developed Countries (LDC) and achieving the SDGs, it is high time now for the media in Bangladesh to play an active role to ensure accountability and transparency in overall development process of the country.
Keeping this in view, the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) organised a residential workshop titled SDG Media Camp 2020 during 12-13 February 2020 at BRAC CDM, Savar, Dhaka, to improve the technical insights of the media professional in terms of reporting on various issues related Bangladesh’s SDG journey and graduation from the LDC group. The event was organised in association with The Asia Foundation – Bangladesh, Citizen’s Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh and Swiss Agency for Development and Development Cooperation (SDC).
The workshop was participated by 40 journalists in print and electronic media of the country. The two-day workshop had five thematic sessions. Each of the sessions was facilitated by a technical expert from CPD. A mentor from among media professionals was also designated for each session.
Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, Distinguished Fellow, CPD and Convenor of the Citizen’s Platform, was the Speaker at the session on “Who are being Left Behind in Bangladesh: SDG Perspectives”. Mr Z I Mamun, Chief Executive Editor, ATN Bangla, was present as the Mentor at this session.
Professor Mustafizur Rahman, Distinguished Fellow, CPD, and Core Group Member of the Citizen’s Platform, was the Speaker at the session on “LDC Graduation Challenges for Bangladesh”. Mr Asjadul Kibria, Planning Editor, The Financial Express, was present as the Mentor at this session.
Dr Fahmida Khatun, Executive Director, CPD, was the Speaker at session on “The Growth Narrative of Bangladesh Economy” and Mr Shawkat Hossain Massum was the Mentor at this session.
Mr Towfiqul Islam Khan, Senior Research Fellow, CPD, was the Speaker of session on “Data Issues and Review of SDGs” and Mr Aminur Rashid was present at this session as Mentor.
A session was also organised on “Communication Strategy for Policy Influencing: CPD’s Approach”. Mr Avra Bhattacharjee, Joint Director, CPD, facilitated this session as the Speaker.