AmCham awards 25 journalists on the Covid-19 frontline
The award presentation ceremony was organised virtually considering the safety measures amidst the ongoing pandemic
The American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) on Sunday awarded 25 reporters and photojournalists from television, online and print media for their outstanding efforts and courage during the Covid-19 outbreak in the country.
Abbas Uddin Noyon, senior staff correspondent of The Business standard, is one of those who have won the prestigious award.
The award presentation ceremony was organised virtually considering the safety measures amidst the ongoing pandemic.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen attended the event as the chief guest while US Ambassador in Dhaka Earl Robert Miller was present as the guest of honor.
Dr Abdul Momen said journalists during the pandemic have played a noteworthy role in raising awareness about the disastrous effects of the novel coronavirus. " Last year, for some time, the government gave directives to limit the movement of the people to contain the spread of this virus. At that difficult period, the front-line journalists had to improvise their regular work to collect and gather information."
"It is my privilege to be here today to present the AmCham Frontline Journalism Award to the valiant journalists for their crucial contribution as frontline soldiers in these times of the pandemic," he added.
Abdul Momen continued, "Theoretically, journalism is the activity of gathering, assessing, creating, and presenting news and information objectively. Journalism can be distinguished from other activities and products by certain particular characteristics and practices. These elements not only separate journalism from other forms of communication, but they are also what make it essential to the fabric integrity of democratic societies.
"I believe journalism needs to be as transparent as possible so that the audiences can make their own assessment and inferences of the information. Reporting must not be loaded with subjective analysis."
He further added that the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh is a prominent trade body to promote economic cooperation between the USA and Bangladesh. "Recently, a new administration has taken over in the US and I hope our relationship with the USA will reach a new height under the new administration.
AmCham can play a vital role in boosting Bangladesh's exports to the USA and attracting foreign direct investment and incubation of technology.
As the guest of honour the US envoy said, "Our bilateral relations with Bangladesh are good. America has always believed in the independence of media and journalists. We want to work to improve the quality of journalists."
It was highly challenging to work from the frontline in the pandemic time, he mentioned, adding this recognition is an inspiration to those who have worked at this time risking their own life.
The programme was chaired by AmCham President Syed Ershad Ahmed while Vice President Syed Mohammad Kamal moderated it. Ziauddin Adil, founder and CEO of Masthead PR, offered the vote of thanks.
A good number of AmCham members including the executive committee members, foreign dignitaries, business leaders, media representatives and other distinguished guests also attended the programme.