South Asia Center for Media in Development (SACMID) successfully organized the closing workshop titled “Echoes of Change: Dissemination of the Project and the Future of Digital Safety in Media” on Monday, 24 November 2025, at Bishwo Shahitto Kendro, Dhaka.
The event marked the conclusion of the project “Empowering Media Professionals, Girl Students, and Community Women through an Improved Understanding of Digital Threats and Security Measures,” funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bangladesh.
The program was graced by Lubain Chowdhury Masum, Advisor for Political Affairs and Public Diplomacy, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, as the Special Guest. In his remarks, he emphasized the growing need for media consumers to be more analytical and vigilant. “People have to be critical when it comes to fake news or any information-they must ensure whether it is true or not,” he said, highlighting the urgency of tackling misinformation in today’s digital era.
The event was anchored by Nadia Rahman (Nicole), Assistant Professor in the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP), and Mahbuba Ahmed Roje, Program Officer at SACMID. Their engaging moderation ensured a smooth and seamless flow of sessions throughout the program.
Also present were Syed Kamrul Hasan, Deputy Director, SACMID, along with other officials from the organization. Representatives from partner NGOs across the project locations-Sirajganj, Cumilla, and Khulna-attended the event, including Hosne Ara Jolly, Executive Director, Community Welfare Foundation, Hosne Ara Begum, Executive Director, Program for Women Development, Mahmuda Akter, Executive Director, Holodia Mahila Unnayan Sangstha and also a representative from Community Development Organization.
Their presence underscored the collaborative spirit that drove the project across multiple districts and communities.
Zilhaj Uddin Nipun, Workshop Coordinator, Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB), and Farzana Akter Rupa, Gender Specialist, Plan International Bangladesh also honored the event with their presence, highlighting the workshop’s relevance to national media development efforts.
A total of 25 participants, including university lecturers of Media and Journalism, students, and professional journalists, took part in the workshop. They engaged in discussions on digital threats, misinformation, and strategies for building a safer media environment.
During a discussion session, Hosne Ara Jolly, Executive Director of Program for Women Development, noted the importance and relevance of long-term community engagement. “Projects like this should be at least two to three years long to properly educate people about misinformation and disinformation,” she emphasized, reflecting the need for sustained awareness efforts.
The workshop highlighted key achievements of the project, shared insights gathered from field activities and explored pathways for future initiatives in digital safety. Participants expressed that the knowledge and skills acquired through the project would significantly help them navigate the complexities of digital platforms responsibly.
The closing workshop served not only as a reflection on the project’s successful journey but also as a call-to-action encouraging media professionals, students, and community workers to continue fostering safe, informed, and resilient digital communities across Bangladesh.
