Bangladesh's star batsman, Litton Das, has expressed his regret via social media following an incident where he had journalists from Bangladesh removed from the team hotel in Pune, India. On Sunday (October 15, 2023), when the Bangladesh team had no scheduled practice or media interactions, journalists visited the team hotel. Litton did not welcome the idea. He summoned the hotel's security personnel and instructed them to escort the journalists away. World Cup 2023: England outplayed as Afghanistan script historic win in Delhi This incident ignited debate and discussion among Bangladeshi journalists covering the ICC World Cup in India. Some reporters questioned Litton's professionalism in their reports aired on television or shared on social media platforms. "https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php? Within 24 hours of the incident, Litton extended an apology. World Cup 2023: England struggling in pursuit of 285 v Afghanistan "I deeply regret the unforeseen incident that occurred yesterday at the team hotel," Litton posted. "I hold the media in high regard. The indispensable role of journalists in advancing Bangladesh cricket is acknowledged and appreciated." The Bangladesh team has participated in three matches in the ICC World Cup 2023 so far, securing a victory in one. In the upcoming match, Bangladesh will face India on October 19. World Cup 2023: Rahmanullah, Ikram Lead Afghanistan to 284 Against England

Facebook Journalism Project has partnered with the Center for Investigative Reporting (CIR) and Center for Communication Action Bangladesh (C-CAB) to upskill over 1,000 journalists.  The programme, Facebook Fundamentals for News, will be delivered completely digitally via BigSpring, mobile skilling platform partner.   Read:Bangladesh to launch ‘Jogajog’ as alternative to Facebook, says Palak The mobile curriculum, available in both English and Bangla, includes skills on online safety, best practices on Facebook, and how to best leverage video on the platform. The programme can be accessed via mobile and web.  "We are committed to supporting quality journalism and providing tools and training to journalists globally," said Anjali Kapoor, Director of News Partnerships, Facebook Asia Pacific. “This partnership was developed after speaking with the news community and our partners in APAC who had identified the need to support the region’s journalists with foundational skills so they can use Facebook more effectively. We hope that this program can help journalists to adapt digitally, and create more informed and engaged communities across the news ecosystem.”   Zain Mahmood, Executive Director at Center for Communication Action Bangladesh explained, “We welcome the support of Facebook to bring a curriculum that can help improve the social media skills of our journalists and strengthen the foundation of reporting across the country. " "The fact that we can make this available via a mobile platform, through BigSpring’s technology, ensures that the program can reach more journalists across the country more rapidly. The impact of this program starts today.” Read: Over 11 mn Bangladeshis sign up as blood donors on Facebook Dilrukshi Handunetti, Executive Director of Center for Investigative Reporting said this collaboration provides the opportunity for them to nurture the next generation of journalists, and equip them with best practices of working across platforms and new ways of storytelling.  "It will enable us to support the work of local journalists and newsrooms as they tell in-depth and ground-breaking stories that engage and empower communities.”   Bhakti Vithalani, the Founder and CEO of BigSpring said they are delighted to provide the mobile platform that puts digital skills into the hands of journalists in Bangladesh.  "BigSpring’s platform enables users to access bite-sized content and engage in learning communities to gain skills proficiency. Our mobile-first, multilingual platform provides easy access and ensures journalists in Bangladesh can continue their important work. We are proud to be a partner in this endeavour.”   Read: Facebook to end rule exemptions for politicians Journalists can register for this program using iOS and Android phones.  The curriculum follows Facebook Journalism Project’s commitment to Bangladeshi journalists, which also includes other training programs, such as the recent launch of Reuters Digital Journalism Course to enhance reporting skills.