Oxfam launches Development Media Forum

Oxfam on Sunday launched 'Development Media Forum' aiming to foster inclusive journalism and advance development by enhancing connections, expanding access to information, and strengthening international networks.

The forum was inaugurated at an event held in a city hotel organised by Oxfam in Bangladesh where Interim Government's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, Director General of the Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB) Faruk Wasif, Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh Nicolas Linus Ragnar Weeks, Oxfam in Bangladesh's Country Director Ashish Damle, among others, were present.

The event featured discussions on Bangladesh's development, the current state of the media, and the role of journalism in shaping the future of the country.

Speaking there, Mr Alam emphasized the critical role of journalism in addressing pressing challenges such as environmental issues, disasters, and climate change.

"Journalism must rise to the occasion to tackle these challenges. We need to ask critical questions about development projects-whether they adhere to environmental policies, whether they harm the environment, and whether they impact human rights," he said.

He hoped that this forum would bring momentum to the country's journalism and stressed media training and capacity-building initiatives to achieve this.

PIB Director General Faruk Wasif said, "The Development Media Forum can play a pivotal role in giving development journalism a fresh start. It can hold powerful local and international institutions accountable while amplifying the voices of local communities and bringing their development issues to the global stage."

If the forum could achieve this, it would be a significant success and expand the scope of development journalism in Bangladesh and help make it more transparent, he noted.

Emphasizing the importance of inclusive journalism in national development, Swedish Ambassador Nicolas Linus Ragnar Weeks assured Sweden's continued support for initiatives like the Forum, which aim to enhance journalists' capacities and create opportunities for the media sector.

"Sweden has always stood by Bangladesh in its development journey and will continue to do so. Through initiatives like the Development Media Forum, we can address critical issues such as climate change and find solutions," he said.

Oxfam in Bangladesh's Country Director Ashish Damle reflected on the current state of journalism globally and in Bangladesh, noting the challenges posed by technological, commercial, and political influences.

He stated, 'Journalism has faced increasing challenges in recent years, including the phenomenon of 'news war.' The Development Media Forum's mission is crucial in addressing these issues and contributing to the broader development agenda.

The event also featured a panel discussion titled 'Bangladesh's Development Journey: The Role and Future of Media' where media representatives and experts spoke.

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