BRUR journalists’ association celebrates 12 years of campus journalism

BRUR Correspondent: The Begum Rokeya University Journalists’ Association (BRUJA) celebrated its 12th anniversary on Monday with a rally, discussion meeting and cake-cutting ceremony on the university campus in Rangpur. Dhaka Post Acting Editor Md Kamrul Islam attended the programme as the chief discussant, while BRUR Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Shawkat Ali was present as the chief guest. The discussion meeting was held at the university cafeteria, with BRUJA President Abu Sayeed in the chair. In his speech, Kamrul Islam stressed the importance of maintaining professional integrity and avoiding political partisanship in journalism. He said journalists should not assume a role more political than that of politicians, adding that such behaviour, sometimes seen in television talk shows, could be driven by personal interests. Referring to political upheavals, he said mass movements and uprisings could take place in any country, but expressed concern over incidents involving the departure of the khatib of the national mosque and the president and general secretary of the National Press Club. He emphasised that journalists should uphold honesty and use their writing to bring positive changes to society, the country and university campuses. Addressing the programme, Vice-Chancellor Shawkat Ali said universities were centres of knowledge, reason and free thought. Journalism on campus, he said, should focus on constructive criticism, evidence-based analysis and the dissemination of positive messages. He urged campus journalists to verify information thoroughly before publishing news, warning that unverified reports could damage the university’s reputation. The vice-chancellor also highlighted government initiatives aimed at improving higher education and developing the skills of young people. He called on all stakeholders to work together to establish BRUR as one of the country’s leading educational institutions. In his concluding remarks, BRUJA President Abu Sayeed said the association would continue to uphold truth, courage and objective journalism. He said the organisation would highlight the university’s positive achievements while responsibly reporting irregularities and inconsistencies. He also expressed gratitude to those who had contributed their time, talent and dedication to the association over the past 12 years. Among others, the programme was addressed by Md Tabiur Rahman Pradhan, head of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, and Md Kamruzzaman Pulak, general secretary of BRUJA. The event was attended by university officials, including Professor Dr Nazrul Islam, dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences; Professor Nur Alam Siddique, dean of the Faculty of Business Studies; Associate Professor Umar Faruk of the AIS department; Professor Dr Tanziul Islam, head of the Department of Political Science; and Associate Professor Md Masud Rana, director of the Student Advising and Guidance Office. Other attendees included Dr ATM Zinnatul Basar, provost of Shaheed Mukhtar Elahi Hall; Dr Md Harun Rashid, provost of Bijoy-24 Hall; Government Mazharul Mannan, Rangpur bureau chief of Jamuna Television; Badshah Usmani, bureau chief of Daily Amar Desh; Mokarram Hossain, bureau chief of Ekhon Television; Zahir Raihan, general secretary of BRUR unit JCD; and Abdur Rakib, president of the university unit of Islami Chhatra Shibir, alongside teachers, students, staff, journalists and representatives of various organisations. Earlier, a colourful rally was held on the campus. The programme concluded with guests and association members cutting a cake to mark the anniversary. Founded on October 26, 2014, through the initiative of a group of students, BRUJA has since been covering major university events, campus challenges and prospects, and issues concerning students’ interests through the media.