6th CJEN Conference Begins at Khulna University

The 6th CJEN Bangladesh Networking Conference 2022 commenced on December 3, 2022 at Khulna University, centering around the theme “Constructive Journalism: Media’s Search for Solutions.” The two-day conference was jointly organized by the Mass Communication and Journalism (MCJ) Discipline of Khulna University and DW Akademie, the international media development center of Deutsche Welle (DW), Germany’s international broadcaster.  The conference aimed to foster discussions among academics, researchers, and media professionals on the challenges and opportunities in the communication and journalism sectors. The Communication and Journalism Educators’ Network (CJEN), a non-profit organization of academic experts in mass media and communication, spearheaded the initiative.

Speaking at the inaugural session, Professor Md Nasif Ahsan, Dean of the Social Science School at Khulna University, highlighted the importance of constructive journalism in today’s media landscape. Priya Esselborn, Program Director of DW Akademie in Bangladesh, and Professor Abul Mansur Ahmed, Chairman of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at Dhaka University, also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the need for solutions-based journalism. The session was chaired by Professor Abdullah Abusayed Khan, Head of KU MCJ Discipline.

During the keynote speech, veteran journalist Ajoy Dasgupta underscored the significance of constructive journalism in countering the overemphasis on negativity and sensationalism in mainstream media. “Journalism must evolve to provide solutions and gain the trust of society, the state, and the wider community. The focus should be on driving positive change rather than merely reporting problems,” he stated.

The conference features five different sessions covering various aspects of journalism and communication, with participation from around 50 delegates representing universities, media houses, and organizations from across Bangladesh. Faculty members of the KU MCJ Discipline, including Mamunor Rashid, Sara Monami Hossain, Chuton Deb Nath, Nishat Tarannum, Shariful Islam, Mazidul Islam, Shamim Hossain, Md Mahdi-Al-Muhtasim Nibir, Safayat Hossen, Farzana Tasnim Pinky, and Md Uzzal Talukder, were present at the event.

The conference continued until December 4, with engaging discussions on media’s role in fostering constructive journalism and solutions-driven storytelling.