Published: 25 August 2025
As all attention is now being increasingly focused on the upcoming National Parliamentary Election, slated to be held in a few months, TIB has taken a timely initiative to empower local journalists of Khulna with election reporting skills. Over the years, even during the authoritarian regime of more than 15 years, these local journalists have been silent heroes, investigating election-related anomalies and revealing them before the nation. Working as a watchdog, they have been at the forefront in helping the authority to ensure transparency and accountability during elections.
To further strengthen their skills and equip them with in-depth knowledge on election reporting, TIB organized a day-long training in the country’s significant second-largest port city—Khulna—on 23 August 2025, with the participation of 30 electronic and print media journalists.
Less Theory, More Interactive & Practical Sessions: Laws, Ethics, KYC, and Data
The training was not a typical theoretical or speaker-focused event; instead, it was heavily based on real-life experiences. Journalists actively engaged by asking technical questions on election reporting and addressing practical challenges. With years of expertise, veteran journalists, data experts, and an election commissioner conducted the sessions, sharing real-life examples, strategies for responsible reporting, and guidance on maintaining ethical boundaries and professional integrity.
“Laws, Reforms & the Reality of Implementation and The Reporter’s Boundary: Ethics, Etiquette and Scopes” was conducted by Jesmin Tuli, Former Additional Secretary, Election Commission & Member, EC Reform Commission. She explained the challenges faced by election commissions and how political actors, interest groups, and internal manipulations can influence results—summarized in her concept of the 3M: Money, Muscle, and Manipulation.
TIB’s most impactful initiative “The Election Process Tracking and Know Your Candidate (KYC) Dashboard,” was introduced by Mohammad Tauhidul Islam, Director, Outreach & Communication, TIB. He demonstrated tools to help journalists uncover facts, identify discrepancies, and conduct investigative reporting that informs and empowers voters. Journalists expressed eagerness to integrate KYC data into their coverage, turning complex information into stories the public can trust.
The training concluded with an engaging session on “The Use of Data for Election Reporting”, conducted by Muhammad Imran, Freelance Data Journalist & Educator. He showed how raw data can be transformed into compelling stories, guiding participants on analyzing statistics, spotting trends, and presenting information in a way that is both accurate and accessible to the public.
Journalists Must Remain Vigilant, Report Objectively
Moderated by Zafar Sadiq, Deputy Coordinator, TIB, the training began with an inspiring inauguration by Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director, TIB. He highlighted that although authoritarian rulers have stepped down, authoritarian practices continue to shape politics and governance. From deaths in law enforcement custody to bribery, illegal transactions, arrests, and bail trading, he reminded participants of the urgent need for vigilance. Journalists, he urged, must report objectively and transparently, monitoring whether the Election Commission, administration, law enforcement, and political parties are ensuring a level playing field and preventing unfair practices.
At the closing session, Enamul Haque, President of Khulna Press Club, praised the initiative and encouraged TIB to expand such programs for journalists across the country. Certificates were distributed, marking the successful conclusion of a highly impactful training session.
