Cosmos Group
DCs' Conference: UNB advocates for integrity and innovation in journalism
United News of Bangladesh (UNB) hosted its District Correspondents' Conference on Saturday (1 Feb), reaffirming its unwavering commitment to unbiased and credible journalism in the face of a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Held at Cosmos Centre, Malibagh, Dhaka, the event highlighted the evolving new media, stressing the importance of district correspondents adapting to digital platforms while maintaining journalistic integrity and accuracy in their reporting.
UNB hosts district correspondents’ conference; highlights fair journalism
Bangladesh’s iconic photographer Shahidul Alam inaugurated the conference as the Guest of Honour. Shahidul Alam, also the founder of Drik Picture Library and Pathshala, later engaged with correspondents on the evolving media landscape.
Analysing a number of global and local photographs, he provided valuable insights, encouraging correspondents to approach visual storytelling with both depth and originality.
Commenting on the importance of photojournalism, Shahidul Alam said, “Many newsrooms often fail to prioritise photographs. Several media houses in Bangladesh do not even have photo editors. I started photography believing it to be my most powerful tool and I still stand by that belief. If I were to begin today, I would focus on mastering social media as it has become immensely powerful. I would also work with AI, as it is shaping the future of journalism. A written post alone never goes viral, but if accompanied by an image or video, it has a higher chance of reaching a wider audience.”
UNB’s Commitment to Impartial Journalism
UNB’s Emeritus Editor Enayetullah Khan said that neutrality remains the only asset in journalism. “Bangladesh’s media landscape has undergone significant change recently, leading to upheaval in many newsrooms. However, UNB remains an exception, having consistently upheld impartial journalism for nearly four decades.”
UNB Executive Editor Nahar Khan welcomed the district correspondents and discussed the challenges and opportunities in the evolving media industry.
She underscored the importance of integrity and innovation in journalism, and shared instances where news coverage compelled the government to take swift action.
“The country is experiencing major transformations, with political unrest still posing challenges. However, every challenge presents an opportunity. Media houses gain public trust during crises, and in an era where misinformation spreads rapidly, responsible journalism becomes even more crucial,” Nahar Khan said.
Two-day fact-checking workshop concludes at UNB
She said, “We must embrace innovation while maintaining integrity. Journalism has the power to bring about systemic change and impact people's lives. While reporting, think about the potential effects of your stories on the nation and its people.”
Citing an example, Nahar Khan said, “When reports on the sudden flooding in Sunamganj were published, the government responded promptly with emergency measures. Without media coverage, the crisis could have escalated further.”
Panel Discussions on Key Journalism Issues
The conference featured discussions on environmental journalism, fact-checking and media laws.
Panelists included Michael Kugelman, Director of the South Asia Institute at Washington’s Wilson Centre; media personality Afsan Chowdhury; WildTeam CEO Dr Anwarul Islam; security analyst Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Mohd. Aminul Karim; and Supreme Court lawyer Zahirul Islam Musa. UNB’s Advisory Editor Farid Hossain, Editor Mahfuzur Rahman and Dhaka Courier’s Executive Editor Shayan S. Khan also spoke at the event.
Afsan Chowdhury, a veteran journalist and researcher, provided insights on economic reporting, urging district correspondents to focus on Bangladesh’s dual economic structure—formal and informal. “Around 70-75% of the country’s economy is informal, with little state intervention. However, most of our reporting remains state-centric, ignoring this reality.”
He highlighted the role of migrant workers in sustaining the economy, noting that 25 million Bangladeshis work abroad, primarily in Saudi Arabia and Malaysia. “These expatriates contribute more to the economy than the 50 million people working domestically. Our perception of Bangladesh is outdated. The country exists beyond its borders due to its global economic dependencies. Journalists must recognise this when reporting.”
Professor Dr. Anwarul Islam, former faculty member of the Department of Zoology at Dhaka University, highlighted the role of journalists in fostering a relationship between people and the environment, pointing out that any environmental or ecosystem change will impact the social environment.
He said that they had been working on wildlife conservation nationwide. In 2009, he realised the need to focus on a specific area, and they chose tigers. “If tigers survive, the entire Sundarbans will thrive. Protecting the Sundarbans will preserve biodiversity, and in turn, ensure our survival,” he said.
According to Dr. Anwar, the Sundarbans faces immense pressure, with 76 villages and eight districts surrounding it, many of whom rely on its resources. Four million people depend on the Sundarbans, and the question is whether it can sustain such pressure. Besides, the protective role the Sundarbans plays for the region may no longer be available.
He emphasised that without political will and public involvement, nothing will survive. “The environmental pressure will affect society, and it is crucial to consider what we are leaving for future generations,” he added.
Security analyst Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Mohammad Aminul Karim said, “Journalism serves as a vital institution to keep the nation informed. However, the erosion of moral values and rampant corruption threaten progress.”
He emphasised the potential of the blue economy, urging journalists to focus on Bangladesh’s maritime resources. “Without exploring the Bay of Bengal, our future remains uncertain. The fisheries and aquaculture sector contributes $100 billion annually to the global economy, generating 260 million jobs.”
Two-day fact-checking training begins at UNB
Sustainable development should be a priority for policymakers, he said, adding, “For Bangladesh to thrive, we must invest in the sea. If we fail to claim our share of the ocean, our survival will be at risk.”
He also pointed out the environmental risks posed by plastic pollution in the Bay of Bengal and warned about the deterioration of the Sundarbans. “We must protect the world’s largest mangrove forest.”
Recognising Excellence in Journalism
UNB awarded its district correspondents Hossain Malik (Chuadanga), Sheikh Didarul Alam (Khulna) and Saiful Islam Shilpi (Chattogram) for their outstanding performance in 2024.
The conference saw participation of over 100 journalists from Dhaka and various districts across the country.
Founded in 1988 as South Asia’s first fully digitalised news agency, UNB partnered with the Associated Press (AP) to establish itself as a key player in Bangladesh’s media industry. As a member of the News Agencies World Congress (NAWC), UNB continues to uphold the highest standards of accuracy and authenticity in journalism.
1 week ago
UNB hosts district correspondents’ conference; highlights fair journalism
The annual District Correspondents’ Conference of United News of Bangladesh (UNB) 2025 took place on Saturday at Cosmos Centre in Dhaka, focusing on neutrality in journalism and the evolving media landscape.
Renowned photojournalist and educator Shahidul Alam inaugurated the daylong event with a session on photojournalism, emphasising accuracy, quality and creativity in capturing news images.
Two-day fact-checking workshop concludes at UNB
Alam, the founder of Drik Picture Library and Pathshala, also analysed photographs by both global and local photographers.
UNB Emeritus Editor Enayetullah Khan underscored the agency’s steadfast commitment to neutrality, stating that despite transformations in Bangladesh's media landscape, UNB has remained unaffected.
He highlighted that public trust in UNB is rooted in its dedication to factual reporting.
UNB Executive Editor Nahar Khan welcomed the participants and discussed the evolving challenges and opportunities in journalism.
She stressed the importance of integrity and innovation in the profession, citing examples of impactful reporting that prompted swift government action.
The conference featured sessions on environmental reporting, fact-checking, media law and discussions with newsroom members and district correspondents.
Among the notable speakers were Michael Kugelman, Director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center; media personality Afsan Chowdhury; WildTeam CEO Dr Anwarul Islam; Supreme Court lawyer Zahirul Islam Musa; Cosmos Goup DMD Masud J. Khan; UNB Advisory Editor Farid Hossain; Editor Mahfuzur Rahman; and Dhaka Courier Executive Editor Shayan S Khan.
Two-day fact-checking training begins at UNB
Three UNB district correspondents—Hossain Malik (Chuadanga), Sheikh Didarul Alam (Khulna), and Saiful Islam Shilpi (Chattogram)—were recognised for their outstanding performance in 2024.
Around 100 journalists from across the country, including Dhaka, attended the event.
1 week ago
WildTeam’s 18th AGM held
The 18thAnnual General Meeting (AGM) of WildTeam, a conservation organization, was held at its head office at Cosmos Centre, Malibagh, Dhaka, on Thursday.
The AGM elected a five-member executive committee comprising Mr Enam Ul Haque as the Chairman of the board, Mr Md. Shamsur Rahman as the Vice-chairman, Professor Dr Md. Anwarul Islam as the General Secretary, Professor Dr Gawsia Wahidunnessa Chowdhury as the Treasurer, and Mr Enayetullah Khan as a member.
Among others, Professor M Harunur Rashid, Professor Dr Nitish Chandra Debnath, Professor Dr Mizan R Khan, Professor Dr Mohammad Abdul Aziz, Professor Dr Ismot Ara and Ms Alifa Bintha Haque who are also the members, congratulated the executive committee.
Also read: Ban on entering Sundarbans: 2 lakh families pushed into financial hardship
The AGM unanimously nominated Ms Nahar Khan, Director, UNB, and Vice President, Cosmos Group, as a member of the WildTeam. She was welcomed to the board by all.
WildTeam is carrying out its activities to improve the conservation status of key animal species and habitats in Bangladesh and developing partnerships, tools, and platforms to build the capacity of organizations and individuals to carry out effective conservation in the country. WildTeam was able to engage communities in the Sundarbans with support from Bangladesh Forest Department, USAID, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Zoological Society of London, IUCN-KfW, and others to conserve tigers there.
WildTeam team is now working in almost all the 76 villages of the Sundarbans with its volunteers: 340 Village Tiger Response Team (VTRT) members, 55 BaghBandhus (friends of tigers), and 50 TigerScouts.
Also read: Sundarbans Day: Biodiversity under threat as salinity increases
At present WildTeam is implementing IUCN-KfW’s Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation Programme Phase II, in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India and Jahangirnagar University, in the Sundarbans.
2 years ago
Cosmos Dialogue on Bangladesh-Switzerland relations to be premiered Wednesday
Cosmos Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Cosmos Group, will host a dialogue titled “Bangladesh-Switzerland Relations: Prognosis for the Future” that will be premiered on social media on Wednesday evening (7pm).
Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh Nathalie Chuard will deliver the keynote speech at the virtual dialogue highlighting the beginning of the relationship, how did the two countries get from there to 50-year long journey and what the future could hold for the bilateral relations.
Also read:Noted artists celebrate Spring at ‘The Passion of Drawing’ by Gallery Cosmos
The dialogue is part of Cosmos Foundation’s ongoing Ambassador's Lecture Series.
Cosmos Foundation Executive Director Nahar Khan will deliver the opening remarks at the dialogue.
The session will be chaired by Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, a renowned scholar-diplomat and former Advisor on Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh Caretaker Government.
Former Managing Director & CEO of Mutual Trust Bank Limited Anis A. Khan, Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Dr Fahmida Khatun and Honorary Advisor Emeritus, Cosmos Foundation Ambassador (Retd) Tariq A Karim will comprise the panel of discussants.
Also read: Cosmos-Atelier 71 hosts Artist Residency Programme Cosmos-Atelier 71 hosts Artist Residency Programme
The year 2022 is seen as very special for both Bangladesh and Switzerland as they celebrate 50 years of their bilateral ties.
Switzerland considers this (50 years ties) as an important milestone and it marks their “solid and long-standing” partnership and it is a key moment of their journey together.
2 years ago
10th 'Liberation DocFest' underway at LWM
The 10th edition of 'Liberation DocFest', a documentary festival on liberation and human rights, organized by the Liberation War Museum (LWM), began on Friday.
The inaugural ceremony of the festival was held at the LWM auditorium, where Information and Broadcasting Minister Hasan Mahmud was present as the chief guest.
The five-day festival, previously known as the International Festival of Docufilms on Liberation and Human Rights, has generated much interest among film lovers at home and abroad.
The 10th edition of Liberation DocFest features two different sections: the National Competition Section and the International Competition Section.
Over 2,100 films from 196 countries were submitted to the organizers, out of which 140 documentaries from 40 countries are scheduled to be screened at the festival.
2 years ago
S Korean envoy Lee for diversifying collaboration with Bangladesh
Speakers at a virtual dialogue, hosted by Cosmos Foundation, have laid emphasis on having a broader collaboration between Bangladesh and South Korea focusing on a number of new areas from technology transfer to virtual marketplace, fashion, startups and innovation as Korea eyes more success stories with Bangladesh going beyond RMG.
“We need to move beyond RMG and diversify collaboration between the two countries,” said South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Lee Jang-keun while delivering his keynote address at the dialogue that premiered on Thursday.
Cosmos Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Cosmos Group, hosted the dialogue titled “Bangladesh South Korea Relations: Prognosis for the Future” as part of its ongoing Ambassadors' Lecture Series.
3 years ago
EU promises 10mn Covid-19 vaccine doses for Bangladesh
Head of Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh Ambassador Rensje Teerink has said they have promised 10 million Covid-19 vaccine doses for Bangladesh, mentioning that it is not justified to say the EU is not generous enough in terms of vaccine sharing.
“We can say the EU has been the driving force behind the global response to Covid-19. Let’s not underestimate how we, in fact, want to reach out to developing countries,” she said, apparently reacting to Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen’s recent comment.
Read: Rohingya issue not to disappear from agenda despite new global challenges: EU
The EU envoy, however, said they are aware that it (10 million doses) is not enough and hoped that they can provide more.
Ambassador Teerink was delivering her keynote address at a virtual dialogue titled “Bangladesh-European Union Relations: Prognosis for the Future” premiered on Thursday.
Cosmos Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Cosmos Group, hosted the dialogue as part of its ongoing Ambassador’s Lecture Series.
The opening remarks were delivered by Cosmos Foundation Chairman Enayetullah Khan. The session was chaired by Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, renowned scholar-diplomat and former Advisor on Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh Caretaker Government.
Distinguished Fellow at Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, former BGMEA President and Mohammadi Group Chairperson Dr Rubana Huq, founder Chairman of Policy Research Institute (CRI) Dr Zaidi Sattar and Prof at International Relations Department of Dhaka University Imtiaz Ahmed and Honorary Advisor Emeritus, Cosmos Foundation Ambassador (Retd) Tariq A Karim comprised the panel of discussants.
3 years ago
EU wants to see Bangladesh as “important actor” among Bay of Bengal littorals
Head of Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh Ambassador Rensje Teerink has said she wants to see Bangladesh more and more as an “important actor” not only in the Bay of Bengal but also as part of Indo Pacific Strategy due to its strategic position and looking at how they can work together as “like-minded partners” in broad areas.
“I think there's lot we can cover,” she said, highlighting the geopolitical aspect of cooperation mentioning that the EU is open to all countries which are wishing to cooperate with.
While delivering the keynote speech at a virtual dialogue titled “Bangladesh-European Union Relations: Prognosis for the Future” the Ambassador said they want to continue working with their like-minded partners in this “turbulent world.”
Read: Bangladesh, Germany hold first-ever Strategic Dialogue
And, the Ambassador thinks, here Bangladesh will have an important role to play, and if there is "one thing" that she is going to take back to Brussels is to keep Bangladesh on the agenda.
Ambassador Teerink said she is aware that it is yet the case to do strategic partnership with Bangladesh but they at least need to keep it on the agenda.
Cosmos Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Cosmos Group, hosted the dialogue as part of its ongoing Ambassador’s Lecture Series.
3 years ago
Ambassador Ito sees 5 challenges ahead to elevate Dhaka-Tokyo ties
Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Naoki Ito has identified five challenges ahead that Bangladesh and Japan need to address together to elevate the solid partnership to a higher level with multifaceted greater cooperation as the two countries are set to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations in a big way next year.
The five challenges, he said, are: to develop Bangladesh-Japan strategic partnership, make Bangladesh more attractive for business, expand people-to-people exchange, enhance cooperation with Bangladesh as a partner to realize Free and Open Indo-Pacific and strengthen efforts to increase Bangladesh’s stature in the region and beyond.
“We need to move forward. I think our relations will naturally deepen in each of those agendas but we shouldn’t take it for granted,” Ambassador Ito said while delivering the keynote speech at a virtual dialogue that premiered on Sunday evening.
Cosmos Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Cosmos Group, hosted the dialogue titled “Bangladesh-Japan Relations: Prognosis for the Future” as a part of its ongoing Ambassador’s Lecture Series.
The opening remarks were delivered by the Cosmos Foundation Chairman Enayetullah Khan. The session was chaired by Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, renowned scholar-diplomat and former Advisor on Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh Caretaker Government.
Md Abul Kalam Azad, Special Envoy, Climate Vulnerable Forum; Hayakawa Yuho, Chief Representative, JICA Bangladesh Office; Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, former Governor, Bangladesh Bank; Prof Masaaki Ohashi, Professor, University of the Sacred Heart, Tokyo; Manzurul Huq, columnist, writer and academic; Prof Takahara Akio, Dean, Graduate School of Public Policy, the University of Tokyo and Ambassador (Retd) Tariq A Karim, Honorary Advisor Emeritus, Cosmos Foundation comprised the panel of discussants.
Ambassador Ito said the two countries should make “conscious and constant efforts” to continue to enjoy the current state of relationship and develop it even further. “We shouldn’t be complacent about ourselves.”
He said the year 2022 will provide an excellent opportunity to elevate the partnership even to a higher level and wished that the two countries could call the partnership as “truly strategic partners”.
Ambassador Ito who already spent 20 months in Bangladesh said the development of quality infrastructures and the strengthening of connectivity under the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth (BIG-B Initiative) will be beneficial not only to the development of Bangladesh but also to regional peace and stability.
“Our leaders are really conscious that this BIG-B is important - not only for the development of Bangladesh but also for the stability of the entire Bay of Bengal region, beyond Bangladesh itself,” he said.
Enayetullah Khan said even as Japan’s geo-strategic role and position grows in great strides, Japan has remained faithful in its commitments to Bangladesh that significantly contributed to Bangladesh’s current emergence as a development success story.
“To me, it seems Bangladesh-Japan friendship is a function of not just mutual benefits, but mainly of pure fellow-feeling. From whichever perspective you view Bangladesh-Japan friendship, it’ll stand out in all weathers and seasons as does in 36 views of Mount Fuji in the famous paintings of HOKUSAI,” he said.
3 years ago
Japan to grab any opportunity to resolve Rohingya crisis for regional stability
Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Naoki Ito has said Japan will seize the opportunity to find a “long-term and lasting solution” to the Rohingya crisis with the Myanmar side, noting that the issue is very relevant to the future stability of the entire region.
“What we can say right now is Japan will seize the opportunity to raise this very, very important issue with the Myanmar side and its military now whenever appropriate,” he said.
The Japanese envoy said his country will do its best to create an enabling environment for the early repatriation of Rohingyas and will continue to raise the issue with the Myanmar side whenever appropriate.
He was responding to a question at a virtual dialogue titled “Bangladesh-Japan Relations: Prognosis for the Future” where he delivered the keynote speech.
Cosmos Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Cosmos Group, hosted the dialogue as a part of its ongoing Ambassador’s Lecture Series.
The opening remarks were delivered by the Cosmos Foundation Chairman Enayetullah Khan. The session was chaired by Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, renowned scholar-diplomat and former Advisor on Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh Caretaker Government.
Md Abul Kalam Azad, Special Envoy, Climate Vulnerable Forum; Hayakawa Yuho, Chief Representative, JICA Bangladesh Office; Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, former Governor, Bangladesh Bank; Prof Masaaki Ohashi, Professor, University of the Sacred Heart, Tokyo; Manzurul Huq, Columnist, writer and academic; Prof Takahara Akio, Dean, Graduate School of Public Policy, the University of Tokyo and Ambassador (retd) Tariq A Karim, Honorary Advisor Emeritus, Cosmos Foundation comprised the panel of discussants.
Also read: Ambassador Ito sees 5 challenges ahead to elevate Dhaka-Tokyo ties
Ambassador Ito said humanitarian assistance and humanitarian crises are very much part of their vision when they talk about stability and peace of the region.
He said it is very difficult to predict what is going to happen in Myanmar right now in light of the current situation in that country since the February 1 military coup with a complete standoff.
3 years ago