Media leaders urge DRU to expand training on AI, fact-checking, mobile journalism and digital reporting

Senior editors, news directors and veteran journalists from leading Bangladeshi media organisations have called for expanding professional development programmes for journalists to help them adapt to the rapidly evolving media landscape.

The recommendations were made at a consultation meeting organised by the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) on Saturday (July 11) at its auditorium. The meeting was chaired by DRU President Abu Saleh Akon and moderated by General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel.

Participants stressed the need for regular training on artificial intelligence (AI), investigative journalism, fact-checking, mobile journalism (MoJo), digital journalism, language skills and presentation techniques.

They also called for ensuring transparency, accountability and impartiality in granting DRU membership, urging the organisation to prioritise professional journalists while avoiding controversial applicants.

Welcoming remarks were delivered by DRU Vice-President Mehdi Azad Masum and Organising Secretary M M Jasim.

NTV Head of News Fakhrul Alam Kanchan emphasised impartial decision-making and regular professional training for journalists.

RTV Head of News and former DRU President Ilias Hossain proposed expanding mobile journalism training, constructing a permanent DRU complex and extending the committee's tenure to two years.

Channel i Head of News Zahid Newaz Jewel suggested establishing a DRU Training Institute to offer courses on AI, investigative reporting, fact-checking and other emerging journalism disciplines. He also proposed introducing news literacy programmes for children.

MyTV Head of News Mahmud Al Faisal highlighted the importance of AI education, English and Chinese language training, and developing professional standards for journalists.

ATN News Head of News Shahidul Azam urged DRU to prioritise quality over quantity in its programmes while expanding AI and health-related initiatives.

Representatives from Ekushey Television, Independent Television, Green TV, Boishakhi TV, Somoy TV, Deepto TV, Maasranga Television, Bangla TV, SA TV, Mohona TV, DBC News, Banglavision and Nagorik TV also shared recommendations covering digital journalism, language training, newsroom standards, financial sustainability and membership reforms.

In his closing remarks, DRU President Abu Saleh Akon said the organisation would carefully consider all recommendations to build a stronger, more modern and member-oriented institution.

General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel said the current executive committee remains committed to enhancing journalists' professional capacity, improving members' welfare and raising the overall standards of journalism, adding that the recommendations would help shape DRU's future action plans.

The meeting was attended by DRU executive committee members, including Joint Secretary Md. Jafar Iqbal, Treasurer Niaz Mahmud Sohel, Women Affairs Secretary Jannatul Ferdous Panna, ICT and Training Secretary Mahmud Sohel, Sports Secretary Omar Faruk Rubel, Cultural Secretary Md. Monowar Hossain, Hospitality Secretary Aminul Haque Bhuiyan, Welfare Secretary Rafique Mridha and executive members Md. Akhtar Hossain, Mahfuz Sadi, Al-Amin Azad, Sumon Chowdhury and Md. Abdul Alim.

//DBTech/DHE/MI//