Oxfam launches ‘Development Media Forum’ to promote inclusive journalism for national development

Dhaka, January 12, 2025: The ‘Development Media Forum’ has officially launched with the aim of fostering inclusive journalism and advancing development by enhancing connections, expanding access to information, and strengthening international networks. The forum was inaugurated at an event in the capital on 12 January Sunday, organized by Oxfam in Bangladesh. The ceremony was attended by the 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, and over a hundred journalists, media practitioners, development professionals, and academics.

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.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam emphasized the critical role of journalism in addressing pressing challenges such as environmental issues, disasters, and climate change. He said, ‘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.’

Speaking about the initiative, he added, ‘We hope this forum will bring momentum to our journalism. To achieve this, we need more media training and capacity-building initiatives. I believe the Development Media Forum will work towards these goals.’

PIB Director General Faruk Wasif highlighted the forum’s potential to redefine development journalism. He remarked, ‘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 achieves this, it will be a significant success. I am optimistic that, through Oxfam’s support, this forum will expand the scope of development journalism in Bangladesh and help make it more transparent.’

Swedish Ambassador Nicolas Linus Ragnar Weeks also addressed the event, emphasizing the importance of inclusive journalism in national development. He assured Sweden’s continued support for initiatives like the Development Media 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”. The keynote presentation was delivered by Dr. Saiful Islam, Associate Professor of Media and Journalism at Dhaka University. The presentation covered various topics, including journalism, marginalized communities, and development, sparking active participation from journalists and panelists alike.

The panel included prominent figures such as Talat Mamun, Executive Director of Channel 24; Riaz Ahmed, Executive Editor of Dhaka Tribune; Dr. Sumon Rahman, Head of Media Studies and Journalism at ULAB; Akbar Hossain, London Press Minister of the Interim Government; Mubin S. Khan, Deputy Editor of The Business Standard; and Mohammad Akmal Sharif, Country Director of Action Contre la Faim (ACF). The session was moderated by Sariful Islam, Head of Communications and Advocacy at Oxfam in Bangladesh.

The Development Media Forum aims to serve as a platform for fostering inclusive journalism, promoting accountability, and addressing critical development issues, ultimately contributing to the nation’s progress.