DHAKA: Eminent economist Professor Rehman Sobhan on Sunday said the role of journalists is very important in raising concerns and awareness on Bangladesh’s status and progress as regards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the Post-2015 International Development Agenda.

Sobhan was addressing a session on “Post-MDGs: Concepts, Processes and Bangladesh Context” as part of the Appreciation Course titled “Current National and Global Issues” held at Flambé Restaurant in city’s Gulshan on Sunday.

The program was organized by the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) for the journalists of print, electronic and online media, said a press release.

Fellow of CPD Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya and also chair of Southern Voice on Post-2015 International Development Goals conducted the session. 

He focused on the concept of MDGs and Post-2015 Development Agenda, the idea of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Through group works and open discussion, the participants were facilitated to understand Bangladesh’s context and progress in relation to these goals.

Professor Sobhan expressed hope that this course would enable the participants to have a deeper understanding of the issues discussed and reflect that understanding in their reporting on issues related to the MDG and Post-2015 International Development Agenda. 

‘The journalists’ job is to get behind the numbers, investigate the facts and follow-up on their work to inform the people, which Professor Sobhan considered crucial in a democratic society”, he added. 

He added that CPD would assess such news reports for one year and give recognition to the reporters who would have demonstrated excellent journalistic contribution.

Around 50 young and mid-level journalists were selected to receive training on contemporary macroeconomic management issues and issues related to MDGs and post-2015 international development agendas.

With Professor Mustafizur Rahman, CPD Research Director Dr Fahmida Khatun and Additional Research Director Dr Khondaker Golam Moazzem were also present in the session.

BDST: 2015 HRS, NOV 16, 2014