Rajshahi, April 15: In order to prepare investigative report on problems and potential of local economic, trade and business development in 16 districts of northern region, 25 journalists have been awarded fellowship.

With the support of European Union, mass communication oriented development organization CCD awarded this fellowship. In every sector, the fellow journalists have become appreciated by all the concerned for their reports on local economic development, trade and business issues. The fellow journalists have presented their reports in the dialogues held in different districts in the northern region in the presence of different professionals of the related fields.

The leaders of local chambers of commerce and industries, business alliances, hotel owners associations, silk owners associations, shop owners associations, officials of silk, agriculture, mango, lac research institutes, bank managers and other Government and non-government officials actively took part in the dialogues and opined very suggestively to signify and enrich the reports.

Till now, the number of fellows in northern districts is 6 in Rajshahi, 4 in Bogra, 2 in Rangpur, 6 in Dinajpur, 7 in Chapai Nawabgonj, 4 in Natore, 4 in Pabna, 2 in Sirajgonj, 6 in Joypurhat, 3 in Gaibandha, 4 in Nilphamari, 1 in Kurhigram, 1 in Lalmonirhat, 4 in Thakurgaon, 3 in Naogaon and 4 in Panchagarh.

Some more journalists will be awarded fellowship up to September this year. A certificate and cheque of fellowship are given to every fellow journalist.

Editor of the daily Natun Provat published from Rajshahi Sarder Abdur Rahman said about fellowship, the fellowship program of CCD is playing very helpful role in promoting local journalists to prepare investigative reports on local economic development issues. He thanked the local EJ Net leaders for their cooperation to support this program.

Thakurgaon Correspondent of the daily Ittefaq Abdul Latif said, I felt the scope and capacity of preparing good investigative reports on local economic issues after getting fellowship of CCD.

Panchagarh Correspondent of the daily Prothom Alo Shahidul Islam Shahid said, I came to realize that if any institutional support is provided, it is possible for the journalists to prepare an investigative report on local economic development even better than a researcher.

Staff Reporter of the daily Manabjamin in Bogra Amjad Hossain Mintu said, the fellowship program of CCD has made the journalists of the northern region attentive to prepare investigative reports on local economic development here.

Pabna Correspondent of the daily Inqilab Syed Murshad Subhani said, this fellowship program has been very effective and successful to enhance the professional skill of the local journalists and to promote local economic and trade activities.

Executive Editor of the daily Uttor Bangla, published from Dinajpur, Jinat Rahman said, the journalists are not to go to the public for the publication of their news stories, but while working for fellowship report, I had to accomplish field level work, thus I understood the great responsibility of a journalist.

Joypurhat Correspondent of the daily Jugantor and NTV Shahjahan Siraj Mithu said, taking an attempt to prepare the fellowship report, I realized how much important is to enhance our professional skill in this respect.

Rangpur Correspondent of the daily Ajker Kagoj Jainul Abedin said, while presenting the fellowship report, I understood that journalists have a vital role and responsibility to promote local economic and trade issues through media.

Chapai Nawabgonj Correspondent of the Bangladesh Observer Motiur Rahman said, going to prepare the fellowship report, I have gotten an opportunity of learning a lot of unknown issues and experience on local economic and business development.

Gaibandha Correspondent of the daily Janakantha Abu Jafar Sabu said, I have experienced through the presentation of the fellowship report how much objective and responsible a journalist should be in his reporting.

Nilphamari Correspondent of ATN Bangla Ratan Sarker said, the economic progress and development will be much easier, if journalists focus on potential issues in their significant reports. That is why; they should be awarded institutional supports like fellowship facilities.

Natore Correspondent of the daily Amader Somoy Al Mamun said, the fellowship program inspired and helped journalists much to prepare investigative reports on problems and potential of local trade and economic issues.

[Last Updated on 29 December, 2007]