Freedom of opinion and expression, unfettered access to information and freedom of the media are perhaps some of the most efficient tools of combating human rights violations in a country where there is a “disturbingly high degree of violence directed against journalists." While Bangladesh boasted a relatively free press prior to the current CTG, the institution of the state of emergency and Emergency Power Rules in January 2007 brought along severe punishments for media authors of “provocative” materials, systematic intimidation and harassment of journalists, numerous instances of censorship, coercion of media outlets to broadcast selected government news programmes, and government monitoring of Internet communications (charges documented by national and international rights-monitoring bodies and organisations).
So, with a view to enhancing the culture of human rights at grass roots and national level and engage media to act as an ally of the victims of rights violation Relief International and Democracywatch have been partnered to strengthen capacity of the media professional through the establishment and capacity building of National Network of Concerned Journalists in line with advocacy and awareness raising among the community people through a constructive dialogue. The project will encompass youths,media, educators and local government at large at 20 districts in Bangladesh.
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