Aziza Parvin Smrity, Rajshahi City

A dialogue between media professionals and civil society representatives was held in Rajshahi, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts to identify and address the pressing challenges faced by rural communities.

The event took place at 10:30 a.m on Sunday at a convention center in Rajshahi city.

The programme was organized under the overall supervision of the Khan Foundation, with financial support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Global Affairs Canada, and the European Union, alongside technical assistance from Nagorikota GFA. It was jointly hosted by Samata Nari Kalyan Sangstha and the Ladies Organization for Social Welfare (LOFS).

The dialogue brought together representatives of civil society from four upazilas of Rajshahi district and around 40 journalists from various media outlets. Participants discussed a wide range of challenges confronting rural communities and proposed practical recommendations to address them.

The discussion identified four key priority issues -smartphone Addiction Among students ; ending the practice of nailing signboards to living yrees and expanding Free Legal Aid Services.

Speakers also recommended strengthening grassroots legal aid programs so that disadvantaged and rural communities can access legal assistance and become aware of their rights.

The meeting was chaired by Mosa. Shahanaz Parvin Laki, Executive Director of LOFS and former Women Commissioner. The event was moderated by Md. Saiful Islam, District Project Officer of the Khan Foundation in Rajshahi.

The speakers emphasized that the media and civil society must work hand in hand to safeguard the rights of rural people and address their everyday challenges. They expressed hope that responsible journalism would bring rural issues to the attention of policymakers, while civil society organizations would play an active role in implementing solutions at the grassroots level.

Some 40 journalists from different media organizations attended the event.