Questioning the State is a Journalist's Duty: BFUJ Secretary General Quader Gani Chowdhury

Questioning the state and holding the powerful accountable is the fundamental duty of a journalist, Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) Secretary General Quader Gani Chowdhury stated on Sunday. He emphasized that such journalism strengthens democracy also protects public rights and establishes justice in society.

Chowdhury made these remarks at a training workshop titled "Ethics of Journalism" jointly organized by the Gazipur District Administration and World Vision Bangladesh at the Gazipur Deputy Commissioner’s Bhawal Conference Room.

Gazipur Deputy Commissioner Nurul Karim Bhuiyan presided over the event, which drew 80 local journalists. Prominent speakers included National Press Club President Hasan Hafiz, Chief Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmed, BSS Managing Director Kamal Uddin Sabuj, National Press Club General Secretary Ayub Bhuiyan and Dhaka Union of Journalists President Shahidul Islam.

The speakers collectively stressed that the courage to tell the truth is the core motto of the profession. They noted a significant deficit of honest, unbiased journalism in Bangladesh today, warning that partisanship, misreporting and "yellow journalism" are severely tarnishing the industry's dignity. The speakers urged reporters to avoid compromising on objectivity and to resist the influence of self-interested journalism.

During the workshop, guests engaged in an open dialogue with the participating journalists regarding media policies and professional welfare. Additionally, Deputy Commissioner Nurul Karim Bhuiyan was awarded an associate membership to the National Press Club in recognition of his supportive role in journalism.