Bangladesh Honors Diplomatic Correspondents with Inaugural DCAB Media Award
DHAKA, Bangladesh – In a ceremony held at the Foreign Service Academy on December 26, 2024, the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) bestowed its first-ever media awards upon three distinguished journalists. The event, attended by high-ranking officials including Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Mohammad Rafiqul Alam, recognized the crucial role of accurate and balanced reporting in international relations.
Foreign Secretary Uddin underscored the significance of verifying facts and responsible reporting in the digital age, emphasizing the potential of misinformation to strain bilateral ties and create unnecessary diplomatic tensions. He lauded the efforts of DCAB members in clarifying complex diplomatic issues and countering false narratives, praising their contribution to distinguishing verified information from unsubstantiated claims. The Foreign Secretary expressed gratitude for the journalists’ work and anticipated continued collaboration to further strengthen Bangladesh’s global standing.
The DCAB Media Award recipients were Mizanur Rahman, Special Correspondent for Daily Manabzamin (Print category); Md Mashrequl Islam (Mashreq Rahat), Senior Reporter for Maasranga Tv (Television category); and Md Nazrul Islam, Diplomatic Correspondent for Dhaka Post (Online category). Their contributions to diplomatic reporting were acknowledged, serving as an inspiration for professional development within the field. The Foreign Secretary commended DCAB for instituting the awards and expressed hope for their continuation in the future.
The Foreign Secretary highlighted the increasing importance of a strong partnership between the diplomatic community and the media as Bangladesh’s global prominence grows. He acknowledged the media’s pivotal role in conveying government initiatives and diplomatic activities to the public, particularly their ability to simplify complex diplomatic concepts and raise awareness about government actions. He further praised DCAB members for their insightful and timely reports, which have broadened the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ perspectives and enhanced its work.
A distinguished panel of judges comprising Reaz Ahmed, Executive Editor of Dhaka Tribune; Dr. Md Saiful Alam Chowdhury, Associate Professor at Dhaka University’s Department of Mass Communication & Journalism; and Miraj Ahmed Chowdhury, Managing Director of Digitally Right, meticulously evaluated the submitted reports. Their assessment criteria encompassed the context, novelty, and importance of the chosen topics; the effective use of information and sources; clarity of language and presentation style; the logical reasoning and structure of the writing; and the presence of original research conducted by the reporters.
The awards ceremony served as a testament to the vital role of diplomatic correspondents in navigating the complexities of international relations and fostering informed public discourse. By recognizing outstanding journalistic contributions, the DCAB Media Awards aim to promote accuracy, balance, and accountability in diplomatic reporting, ultimately contributing to a more nuanced understanding of global affairs. The Foreign Secretary’s address further emphasized the government’s commitment to democratic values, justice, and accountability as Bangladesh progresses towards a more prosperous future. He reiterated the need for unity and cooperation between all stakeholders to achieve the nation’s shared aspirations.