Country’s first int’l conference for journalists to be held in May

The country’s first international conference for media workers will take place in the capital during 8-9 May with the participation of journalists and experts from different countries.

The two-day conference titled “Bangladesh Journalism Conference” will be organised by the Media Resources Development Initiative (MRDI) at the Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel in Dhaka.

Media Resources Development Initiative (MRDI), disclosed the information at a press conference held at AS Mahmud Seminar Hall at Daily Star Building, Karwan Bazar, Dhaka on Thursday.

Speaking at the press conference, MRDI Executive Director Hasibur Rahman said the conference will bring together local and international journalists, media experts, researchers, and policymakers. More than 500 participants, including news media owners, editors, leaders of journalist unions and associations, representatives from civil society, university faculty and students and development partners, are expected to join the conference.

The participating countries are India, Pakistan, Nepal, Indonesia, Malaysia, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Portugal, and Bangladesh, he said.

The conference will create opportunities for journalists, media professionals, and experts to exchange experiences and foster collaboration. In future, the Bangladesh Journalism Conference will evolve into an important platform for journalists and aspiring professionals as a platform for professional networking in the years ahead.

This conference will hold in-depth discussions on the current state of journalism in Bangladesh and try to find out viable solutions to existing challenges in light of global experiences, said Hasibur Rahman.

Several prominent international media professionals have already confirmed their participation. These include Michael Cooke, former Editor of the Toronto Star, Investigative journalist and filmmaker Julian Sher is also expected to attend,” said Hasibur Rahman.

Zaffar Abbas, editor of Dawn, Pakistan and Swati Bhattacharjee, senior assistant editor at Anandabazar Patrika, Kolkata, is expected to join the conference, he said.

Other confirmed participants include Kunda Dixit, publisher of Nepali Times, Rohit Bhan, Digital Editor at The Tribune and media self - regulation expert Joan Barata.

In addition, Kholikul Alim, an editor associated with the Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN) and from London editor engineer Shakeel Anwar will also join the event.

Alongside international guests, leading figures from Bangladesh’s journalism sector are also expected to participate in the conference.

During the press conference, the official logo and website of the Bangladesh Journalism Conference were unveiled.

Interested participants will have to complete registration, which will be accessed at this web address: bdjc.mrdibd.org. Registration will open at 12:01am on 17 April and will continue until 25 April 2026. Upon submission of the registration request, organisers will review and confirm the attendance to selected participants through email communications.