The Development Media Forum, an initiative aimed at fostering inclusive journalism and enhancing development by strengthening connections, expanding access to information, and reinforcing international networks, was officially launched on Sunday in the capital. Organized by Oxfam in Bangladesh, the inauguration event was attended by distinguished guests, including Interim Government Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB) Director General Faruk Wasif, Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh Nicolas Linus Ragnar Weeks, and Oxfam in Bangladesh Country Director Ashish Damle, alongside over a hundred journalists, media professionals, development practitioners, and academics.

The forum’s inauguration featured discussions on Bangladesh’s development trajectory, the current state of the media, and journalism's role in shaping the nation’s future.

Leadership Voices Advocate for Development Journalism

Addressing the gathering, Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam underscored the critical role of journalism in tackling urgent challenges such as climate change, disasters, and environmental issues. “Journalism must rise to the occasion to address these challenges,” he remarked. “We need to ask critical questions about development projects—whether they comply with environmental policies, whether they harm the environment, and whether they affect human rights. The Development Media Forum can drive this momentum by promoting media training and capacity-building initiatives.”
PIB Director General Faruk Wasif emphasized the forum's potential to redefine development journalism. “The Development Media Forum can play a pivotal role in holding local and international institutions accountable while amplifying the voices of marginalized communities,” he said. “With Oxfam’s support, this forum will contribute significantly to making development journalism more transparent and impactful.”
Swedish Ambassador Nicolas Linus Ragnar Weeks highlighted Sweden’s commitment to fostering inclusive journalism in Bangladesh. “Through initiatives like the Development Media Forum, we can address critical issues such as climate change and support sustainable solutions,” he noted. “Sweden will continue to stand by Bangladesh in its development journey.”

Discussions and Vision for Sustainable Journalism

A panel discussion titled “Bangladesh’s Development Journey: The Role and Future of Media” brought together prominent media and development figures, including Talat Mamun, Riaz Ahmed, Dr. Sumon Rahman, and others, to exchange insights on journalism’s evolving role. Dr. Saiful Islam, Associate Professor at Dhaka University, delivered the keynote presentation, which addressed the intersection of journalism, marginalized communities, and development.
The initiative’s commitment to sustainable journalism was a key theme throughout the event. Oxfam in Bangladesh Country Director Ashish Damle acknowledged the global and local challenges facing journalism, such as technological, commercial, and political pressures. “The Development Media Forum’s mission is to address these challenges, fostering inclusive journalism that contributes to sustainable development,” he stated.

Enhancing Sustainable Journalism

This initiative is expected to significantly benefit sustainable journalism by empowering journalists through capacity-building programs and fostering a collaborative platform for dialogue and accountability. By promoting media literacy, ensuring transparency, and addressing critical issues such as climate change, inequality, and human rights, the forum will play a pivotal role in creating a resilient and informed media landscape.

The Development Media Forum aspires to be a transformative force in Bangladesh’s media landscape, fostering accountability, amplifying marginalized voices, and addressing development issues to ensure progress that is both inclusive and sustainable.
 

BOB Post