On Sunday (May 4) at 3:00 PM, students and faculty members of the Department of Journalism, Communication, and Media Studies at Varendra University participated in this event.
This year’s theme for World Press Freedom Day was “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis”.
The discussion session was presided over by the department’s coordinator, Md. Satil Siraj. Faculty members Md. Sajjat Hossain, Muhammad Rakib Hussain, Tandra Mondal, Aisha Siddiqa and Fatema-Tuz-Johora spoke at the event. Several students of the department also delivered speeches.
Speakers at the event emphasized the importance of a free and independent press. They noted that in today’s world, press freedom is being challenged due to information control, political pressure, censorship, and the misuse of artificial intelligence.
Md. Satil Siraj stated that the media serves as the mirror of society, and there is no alternative to a free press for ensuring democracy and good governance. He also stressed the importance of freedom of speech and respecting others’ opinions at the individual level.
Md. Sajjat Hossain discussed how journalism and the media are undergoing a massive technological transformation, with artificial intelligence (AI) at its core. AI is adding a new dimension to news gathering, analysis, presentation, and audience engagement. However, while the application of this technology opens many doors of opportunity, it also poses significant ethical, social, and professional challenges.
Muhammad Rakib Hussain highlighted the significance of media freedom and encouraged students by saying that they can contribute to ensuring press freedom and fostering human-centered journalism.
Tandra Mondal emphasized that instead of controlling technology, it should be regulated under clear policies to protect press freedom. She also stressed the importance of courage and fearlessness in journalism.
Aisha Siddiqa remarked that while technology brings both opportunities and challenges, it can never fully replace human capabilities. She underscored the importance of using technology positively in journalism.
Fatema-Tuz-Johora emphasized the importance of objective journalism. She also highlighted the ethical considerations of using AI, warning that neglecting these aspects may harm the core principles of journalism.
The event concluded with a quiz competition in which students actively participated. Prizes were awarded to the winners by the club president and departmental coordinator, Md. Satil Siraj. The participating students expressed that the event inspired them to think more deeply about press freedom and become more aware of its significance.