8th CJEN Conference Kicks Off at Daffodil Smart City

The 8th CJEN Bangladesh Networking Conference 2023 commenced at Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, bringing together leading intellectuals, specialists, and visionaries in journalism and media communication. The two-day conference, ran from October 28 to 29, was jointly organized by the Department of Journalism, Media and Communication of Daffodil International University (DIU) and DW Akademie. The conference theme, “Ensuring Economic Sustainability for Local and Regional Mass Media in Bangladesh,” highlighted the critical challenges and opportunities for the country’s media landscape.

The conference opened with welcome remarks from Professor Dr. Liza Sharmin, Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Social Science, DIU.  Delivering the Special Chief Guest address, Ute Eckertz, Representative, German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development, emphasized the need for press freedom in Bangladesh, stating, “As we know, Bangladesh has ranked very low over the years in freedom of speech rankings, and this will eventually hinder the overall progress of the country. It’s high time to take necessary steps, and CJEN 2023 will be a milestone in this regard.”

The Chief Guest, Professor Dr. M. Lutfar Rahman, Vice-Chancellor, DIU, expressed his commitment to ensuring a successful conference: “We organize numerous conferences and workshops every year, enriching our students and professionals. We will ensure that the 8th CJEN Bangladesh Networking Conference becomes the most successful one.”  Priya Esselborn, Programme Director Bangladesh, DW Akademie, delivered remarks on behalf of DW Akademie, while Mr. Shahed Mohammad Ali, Editor, the Daily Kaler Kantho, delivered the keynote speech, addressing the economic sustainability of local media.

The first day of the conference featured two plenary sessions and a stakeholders’ workshop, covering:

• “Understanding the Landscape of Local and Regional Media”
• “Exploring Innovative Business Models for Bangladeshi Local Media”
• “Quality Journalism and Revenue: Engaging Future Journalists in Journalism Education and Professionalism”

Additionally, a social media storytelling workshop for students was conducted.  Key figures leading the conference included Dr. Md. Abdul Kabil Khan, Associate Professor, Department of Journalism, Media and Communication, DIU (Convener); Mr. Aftab Hossain, Assistant Professor and Head, Department of Journalism, Media and Communication, DIU (Co-Convener); and Dr. Golam Rahman, Professor, DIU (Chief Patron).  The conference concluded with the presentation of the Draft Policy titled “DIU 2023 Declaration: Advancing Local and Regional Media for a Sustainable Future.” Around 65 delegates from various universities, media houses, and organizations across Bangladesh participated in this prestigious event.