PIB Powers Digital Development for DRU Journalists

Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) members received a two-day intensive training on digital media from Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB), aiming to enhance their skills in the evolving media landscape. On 21 October, during the closing ceremony, 35 journalists were presented with certificates by BFUJ’s Acting President Obaydur Rahman Shaheen. The ceremony was chaired by PIB Director General Faruq Wasif and attended by DRU General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel, Journalist Welfare Trust board member Shaheen Hasnat, PIB trainers Zilhaz Uddin Nipun and Sumaiya Akhtar, head of the BanglaFactCheck team.

Other attendees included DRU Women Affairs Secretary Rozina Rozi, IT & Training Secretary Borhan Uddin, Executive Committee member Aminul Haque Bhuiya, and PIB’s reporter and training coordinator Sifat Tasnim.

Addressing the participants, Obaydur Rahman Shaheen urged DRU members to actively engage in PIB’s research and fact-checking initiatives. “PIB has consistently worked to improve journalists’ skills, and now the scope of our work has expanded. We hope to provide more topic-focused training in the future to meet journalists’ needs,” he said.

In his speech, PIB Director General Faruq Wasif encouraged journalists to be vigilant against prevailing narratives and guided them to harness the power of the pen against rumors and misinformation. He noted, “Compared to the July movement, digital platforms played a far greater role. Journalists should take lessons from this experience and enhance their digital reporting skills.” He added that the two-day training provided participants with practical knowledge on handling diverse situations effectively in the future.

The sessions covered essential digital journalism tools, including mobile settings, mobile shooting, video editing, and ethical considerations in digital reporting and fact-checking. ULAB Adjunct Faculty Nazia Afrin Manami conducted the first half of both days, while BRAC Communication Specialist Shafat Rahman led discussions on mobile video framing and editing.

Trainers also addressed how journalists can navigate viral trends, misinformation, unethical content, ignorance, and activism on social media. Emphasis was placed on creating compelling news hooks for netizens while avoiding false or misleading information. Guidance was provided on preparing in advance for trend analysis and content creation in digital formats.