To Maintain Excellence in Journalism, One Must Understand AI: Sheikh Farid Ahmed Manik MP

Abdullah Al Mamun, Chandpur : To stay informed about the contemporary world and maintain excellence in the field of journalism, it is essential to have a solid understanding of artificial intelligence (AI). Sheikh Farid Ahmed Manik, Member of Parliament for the Chandpur-3 constituency and President of the District BNP, emphasized that journalists should acquire knowledge in this area and apply it—both for the benefit of the public and through their professional writing.

He made these remarks while serving as the chief guest at the closing and certificate-distribution ceremony of a two-day training workshop titled "Modern Journalism and the Impact of Artificial Intelligence," held on Saturday (November 7) at 3:00 PM at the Chandpur Press Club auditorium.

Organized by the Chandpur Press Club in collaboration with Daffodil International University, the workshop saw the participation of approximately 130 journalists from across the district.

In his address, Sheikh Farid Ahmed Manik expressed his gratitude to the international expert trainer, Professor Dr. Greg Simons, for providing practical training and valuable guidance to the journalists of Chandpur. "Had the opportunity arisen, I would have participated in this training myself," he remarked. He noted the significant evolution in journalism over the past 15 years, highlighting that journalists today face a much higher level of accountability; any publication of erroneous or false information now triggers an immediate reaction on social media.

He further observed that while the general public often shows a greater interest in negative news, there are established guidelines for reporting. One cannot label an individual as guilty from the outset without concrete evidence. Journalists, he stressed, have a responsibility to uncover the truth and guide both the public and the government toward the right path. Furthermore, while encouraging positive initiatives, journalists must remain vigilant in holding those who spread negative or misleading information on social media accountable.

Reflecting on his own experience, he added that as a Member of Parliament, he bears the responsibility of visiting various parts of his constituency and playing an active role in the recovery of government property.  He shared his experiences regarding the recovery of land in the Ibrahimpur *char* (riverine island). He expressed optimism that if the relevant government authorities inspect the site and approve a major government project there, it would create numerous employment opportunities for the people of Chandpur.

Sheikh Farid Ahmed Manik stated that through the collective efforts of all, Chandpur must be advanced in such a way that its residents can stand tall with pride. He noted that the Chandpur Press Club is a unified and cohesive institution with a long-standing reputation. He extended special thanks to Daffodil International University and the university’s Chairman, Dr. Sabur Khan, for organizing this training.

Md. Kabir Hossain Sardar, Chief Executive Officer of the District Council (*Zila Parishad*), spoke at the event as a special guest.

The event was presided over by Chandpur Press Club President Sohel Rushdi and moderated by General Secretary M. A. Latif. It began with a recitation from the Holy Quran by journalist Maulana Mohammad Ahmadullah, a member of the Press Club.

The training was conducted by international expert Professor Dr. Greg Simons; Dr. Md. Abdul Kabil Khan, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Journalism, Media and Mass Communication at Daffodil International University; and lecturers Meherabul Haque and Tanvir Ahmed. Additionally, the university’s Public Relations Officer, Anwar Habib Kajol, also delivered remarks.

On the morning of the second day of the training workshop, Dr. Md. Abdul Kabil Khan, Head of the Department of Journalism, Media and Mass Communication at Daffodil International University, provided an in-depth discussion on fact-checking. He explained the distinctions between misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation,n outlined techniques for identifying such content, and demonstrated methods for verifying information using various AI-based software tools.

Furthermore, the session covered journalistic ethics and policies in the era of social media and artificial intelligence, specifically within the context of the realities in Bangladesh. Participants also received training on creating photo-cards, presenting news across digital platforms, and strategies for rapidly disseminating accurate information to the public.  Internationally renowned trainer Professor Dr. Greg Simons explained the role of journalists regarding ‘user-generated content and crowdsourcing,’ drawing on examples from major global media outlets and digital organizations. He provided practical insights on the subject through a PowerPoint presentation.

During this two-day training, participating journalists gained hands-on experience in areas such as the use of modern technology, fact-checking, responsible news reporting, and various facets of digital journalism. At the closing ceremony, the chief guest presented certificates to the participating journalists.

Stakeholders believe that this training workshop, organized by the Chandpur Press Club, will play a significant role in enhancing technology-driven skills in local journalism, fostering professional excellence, and promoting the practice of responsible journalism.