The American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham), which has been helping the country to fight pandemic through different ways, has announced awards for journalists who are working at the frontline.
Styled ‘AmCham frontline journalism Award’, the initiative, in association with Masthead PR, would recognise and honour the pandemic-time reports of valiant reporters and TV camera persons in television, print and digital media categories.
The reports between March 1 and August 31 must be focused on two perspectives- the impact of the pandemic from the humanitarian ground such as impact on lives and livelihoods, and from the business angle.
The deadline for submission of the reports is September 6.
The winners will be selected “after a careful assessment by a highly reputable selection committee and awarded in another program”, AmCham said at a virtual briefing on Wednesday.
AmCham believes this initiative
will motivate the journalist community and further pinpoint their irreplaceable efforts in helping the nation in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Information minister Mohammed Hasan Mahmud thanked AmCham for the initiative to recognise journalists.
Deputy Chief of Mission of the US embassy JoAnne Wagner said this award announcement recognises two fundamental human freedoms – the freedom of speech and right to have a free press.
Those rights are enshrined in both US and Bangladesh constitutions, she said, adding that the award would also celebrate the “strength” of the US-Bangladesh partnership.
“Key ingredients in our partnerships is the ability to speak with each other frankly and that the freedom of speech is guaranteed whether you agree with them or not,” she said.
She said this also “underscores why journalists are so crucial at a time like now when we are going through this terrible pandemic.”
Covid-19 is casting a shadow around the world and till date, the fatalities from the deadly virus have surpassed half a million people worldwide, with thousands getting affected daily. The number of Covid infected patients is gradually increasing in Bangladesh as well.
In this dire situation, journalists are working in the frontlines by bringing the latest news and views to keep the citizens updated about Covid-19 as well as helping concerned authorities to make right decisions.
Following up early instances of AmCham’s commitment to support the society, this initiative will acknowledge the contribution of the frontline and business journalists for their outstanding efforts and courage during the COVID-19 outbreak through the award, AmCham President Syed Ershad Ahmed said.
Vice President Syed Mohammad Kamal moderated the event.
Since 1988, AmCham started to operate as American Bangladesh Economic Forum (ABEF) and in 1996 established formally as AmCham Bangladesh with an objective to promote the economic relationships between Bangladesh and the US.
During the pandemic, the AmCham stood by the farmers in northern Bangladesh.