Corporate
Digital Media Workshop in PR Department Observed
In Dhaka, a workshop titled ‘The Role of Digital Media in the Department of Public Relations’ was organized by the Digital Media Forum, hosted by the renowned University. The event featured a workshop, certificate distribution, and a panel discussion.
On Friday, March 1, at 2:00 PM, the workshop was organized at R C Majumdar Auditorium, Kola Bhaban, Dhaka University. The Private University Public Relations Officers Association-PUPROA collaborated as event co-organizers.
The chief guest at the event was Jafar Wajed, the Director-General of the Press Institute of Bangladesh. Despite his absence at the workshop, he conveyed his congratulations to the organization for its success through a message. In his message, he extended appreciation to all the guests, participants, officials from the Department of Public Relations of various private universities, and sponsoring organizations.
Special guests at the event included Dr. Mizanur Rahman, former Vice-Chancellor of Jagannath University, and Professor Robaet Ferdous, from the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at Dhaka University.
Distinguished journalists and media personalities graced the event as guests of honor, including Syed Ishtiaque Reza, CEO of Global TV, Lutfor Rahman Himel, Editor of Daily Swadesh Protidin, Rajeeb Khan, Digital Head of Channel 24, Ruhul Amin Roni, Senior Manager (Lead) Business Development at Prothom Alo, Saroj Mehedi, Lecturer in the Journalism Department at Green University, Nahid Jahan, Head of Media at Pran RFL Group, Mobarak Apu, Business and Growth Lead at Adfinix, Zakaria Hossen Joy, Assistant General Manager at NewsBangla, and Benjir Abrar, CEO of Excellence Bangladesh, among many others.
The workshop had various sponsors, including Qcoom as the title sponsor, G and M Gadget and Mobile Care as the gadget partner, Tenision as the gold sponsor, Texort as the IT partner, Nutriplus as the nutrition partner, Studio Velvet as the content production partner, Limerence Creations as the creative partner, and co-sponsored by The Premium Homes Limited and WeSellBD. The knowledge partner for the workshop was JCI Dhaka West.
The workshop consisted of five sessions led by experienced professionals in the media and corporate sector of the country. Abdul Wadud, the Business Lead at Purple Patch, took the lead in facilitating the workshop. He delivered his presentation using a projector, showcasing various informative content. Wadud emphasized the crucial role of the Public Relations Department, likening it to a mirror for an organization. According to him, the department’s proficiency directly influences the organization’s progress, and there’s no alternative to skillfulness.
In the second session, Tithi Chowdhury, the Client Partner Lead at Meta Aleph Lead, shared insights into social media usage. He stressed the importance of understanding social media dynamics to effectively utilize the platform. Chowdhury highlighted the need to know which medium can rapidly deliver the message to the audience, aligning advertising strategies accordingly. He emphasized that mastering such technical aspects, including data analysis, is essential. Throughout his presentation, he used slides to convey information and conducted training on data-related topics.
During the workshop, Md. Faruk Khan, the founder of Khan IT, shared his insights, stating, “The organization of this event on digital media is highly relevant. It will help everyone develop a clear understanding of digital media usage. By becoming proficient, we can ensure the perpetual relevance of such events.”
He further emphasized the significance of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) marketing for businesses of any scale, saying, “For small or large businesses, SEO marketing is crucial. It works to create your business brand, which is the primary goal in this era of digital marketing.”
Palash Mahmud, the Head of the Online Department at Daily Kalbela, delivered the fourth session’s speech at the workshop. Expressing the importance of self-promotion, he mentioned, “Everyone wants to promote themselves. However, the key is how effective your promotion is. Traditional ways won’t make a lasting impact. You need to think differently to catch people’s attention. It requires thoughtful consideration and visible results.”
Rajeeb Khan, the Digital Head of Channel 24, expressed his thoughts during the event, stating, “The progress of the Digital Media Forum in a short period is remarkable. The workshop on ‘The Role of Digital Media in the Department of Public Relations’ was a precursor to such initiatives. These events will bridge the gap between media and university, creating a strong connection.”
Ruhul Amin Roni, Senior Manager (Lead) Business Development at Prothom Alo, shared his thoughts during the workshop. He mentioned, “The workshop on ‘The Role of Digital Media in the Department of Public Relations’ is a well-organized initiative. Such workshops are crucial in the present time. The more the professionals in the Public Relations Department of universities know about digital media, the more adept they will become in utilizing this medium.”
Lutfor Rahman Himel, Editor of Daily Swadesh Protidin, expressed his sentiments, saying, “There’s no end to learning. As days go by, the thirst for knowledge increases. If you’re not updated, even if you’re young, you’ll fall behind. I hope such educational workshops by the Digital Media Forum continue.”
At the beginning of the workshop, Abu Sadat, the General Editor of Private University Public Relations Officers Association (PUPROA), offered an introductory speech. He extended his greetings to all the guests and participants in the workshop, expressing gratitude to the sponsoring organizations.
Sadat emphasized the significance of adapting to the digital era, stating, “The current era has become smart by embracing digitalization. If we cannot keep up with the pace of time, we will be left behind. Hence, the organization of this workshop by the Digital Media Forum and the Private University Public Relations Officers Association is a timely initiative. Such initiatives will propel us forward towards building a smart Bangladesh.”
Syed Ishtiaque Reza, the CEO of Global TV and a prominent journalist, highlighted the challenges faced by those in public relations, emphasizing the importance of crisis management in the digital media age. He encouraged participants to understand and effectively utilize digital media for creating a positive organizational image.
At this moment, Professor Robaet Ferdous, in his special address, expressed the tremendous success of the Digital Media Forum’s workshop. He emphasized the bridging of gaps between universities and media through the collaboration of the Public Relations departments. Professor Ferdous urged the organizers and collaborators to continue conducting such workshops.
As the main guest, former Vice-Chancellor and current Professor Dr. Mizanur Rahman of Jagannath University, delivered the keynote address in the absence of the chief guest, Jafar Wazed, the Director-General of the Press Institute of Bangladesh. He extended his greetings to the workshop participants and the staff of the Public Relations departments of various universities.
Dr. Mizanur Rahman stated, “Differentiation is essential; otherwise, one might go unnoticed. Without uniqueness, one is lost in the crowd. With the abundance of content on platforms like YouTube and Facebook, why would people choose to watch yours? People will seek what sets you apart. In a market with 75 brands, if yours is number 76, there is no gain – you will lose.”
The professor further emphasized, “Language is not a barrier; what’s crucial is distinctiveness and quality. Only then will your brand stand out. The more updated you are, the more value your brand gains in the market. You cannot afford to lag behind.” He supported his point with various examples and congratulated the success of the Digital Media Forum’s workshop.
The President of DMF, Delowar Hossain, expressed gratitude and appreciation to everyone present. He highlighted the research and exploration conducted by DMF in the digital sector since its establishment. Delowar mentioned the importance of such workshops in providing training to experts in the sector, ensuring continuous efforts in organizing similar events. He acknowledged that due to time constraints, they couldn’t allocate sufficient time to many distinguished guests, expressing regret. Delowar recognized the potential of today’s workshop to contribute to the vision of a Digital Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
He thanked the co-organizer, Private University Public Relations Officers Association (PUPROA), and expressed gratitude to the sponsors. Delowar urged everyone to maintain such collaborative efforts for the development of a Smart Bangladesh.
China Correspondent: A five-day foreign media visit to China’s Shandong Province from August 10 to 14 gave international journalists and foreign friends the chance to gain firsthand insights into the province’s technological innovation, cultural heritage, ecological conservation, and high-quality development.
The visit, themed “Opportunities in China, Innovation in Qingdao,” was organized by CRI Online of China Media Group, the Information Office of the Qingdao Municipal People’s Government, and the Information Office of the Dongying Municipal People’s Government.
The delegation visited Qingdao and Dongying, where participants exchanged ideas with local communities, enterprises, cultural institutions, and development projects. Through field visits and discussions, they explored how Shandong balances technological progress, cultural preservation, environmental protection, and improvements in people’s livelihoods.
The program covered a broad range of topics, including artificial intelligence, intelligent manufacturing, biotechnology, healthcare, marine industries, rural revitalization, cultural heritage, urban renewal, and ecological conservation.
In Qingdao, the delegation gained an understanding of the city’s growing innovation capacity and saw how advanced technologies are being applied in manufacturing and other areas of daily life. Participants also explored how traditional culture integrates with modern tourism and experienced the city’s distinctive coastal culture.
The visit also highlighted efforts to promote rural revitalization and develop cultural tourism and wellness-related industries. Through interactions and cultural experiences, participants observed how traditional food and tea culture, historic neighborhoods, and local heritage are being preserved while being integrated into contemporary economic and social development.
In Dongying, the delegation explored the relationship between the Yellow River, local culture, industrial development, and ecological conservation. Located at the mouth of the Yellow River, Dongying offered an important perspective on protecting and sustainably using the river’s ecological and cultural resources.
The Yellow River was a central theme of the Dongying visit. Participants learned about the river’s historical and cultural significance and observed efforts to protect the Yellow River Delta ecosystem. They also gained insights into the city’s industrial development and its efforts to pursue technological innovation and greener growth.
The delegation further observed how ecological challenges can be transformed into opportunities for sustainable development, including through the innovative utilization of saline-alkaline land and the protection of wetlands in the Yellow River Delta.
The delegation included representatives from overseas media organizations in Bangladesh, Canada, South Korea, and Pakistan, as well as international friends from Sri Lanka, Thailand, and other countries.
Corporate
International Seminar at Peking University Explores the Contemporary Relevance of Edgar Snow’s Legacy
An international seminar titled “The Contemporary Value of Edgar Snow’s Spirit” was held at Peking University on Tuesday (July 8), bringing together scholars, journalists, researchers and young representatives from around the world to examine the enduring legacy of renowned American journalist Edgar Snow and his role in fostering greater understanding between China and the international community.
Jointly hosted by Xinhua News Agency and Peking University, and organized by the Xinhua Institute, the seminar marked the conclusion of a six-day research and study tour conducted from July 2 to 7, retracing Snow’s historic journey through Shaanxi Province and the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.
During the field program, participants followed the route taken by Edgar Snow during his landmark reporting in northern Shaanxi, gaining firsthand insight into the locations that inspired his influential book, Red Star Over China. Organizers said the journey offered international delegates a deeper understanding of China’s revolutionary history, development path and the values that continue to shape the country’s modernization.
The delegation visited several key revolutionary sites, including Yan’an and Zhidan County, where they toured museums, memorial halls and former headquarters associated with the Chinese Red Army. They also explored the former site of the Counter-Japanese Military and Political University, the Bao’an Revolution Site Memorial Museum, and memorials commemorating the Red Army’s arrival in northern Shaanxi. Guided tours and historical exhibitions highlighted the hardships, determination and ideals of China’s revolutionary period.
As part of the program, participants attended the themed sharing session “Retracing Snow’s Route,” where scholars and guests discussed the lasting influence of Edgar Snow’s reporting on global perceptions of China. Delegates also watched the immersive theatrical production “Thirteen Years in Yan’an,” which vividly portrayed the revolutionary era through contemporary storytelling.
The itinerary extended beyond revolutionary history to showcase China’s progress in ecological conservation and sustainable development. In Zhongwei and other locations in Ningxia, participants learned about environmental protection initiatives along the Yellow River, the achievements of the Three-North Shelter Forest Program, and China’s efforts to balance ecological preservation with economic growth. Organizers noted that these visits demonstrated how former revolutionary regions have evolved into examples of green development and rural revitalization.
The delegation also traveled to Tongxin County, visiting the Red Army Westward Expedition Memorial Hall and other significant historical sites. Participants joined the Red Tongxin Forum, where they exchanged views with scholars and local representatives on the historical significance of the Long March, Edgar Snow’s reporting and the importance of preserving revolutionary heritage for future generations.
Addressing the seminar, speakers emphasized that Edgar Snow’s commitment to truth, objective journalism and cross-cultural communication continues to inspire journalists, academics and young people worldwide. They noted that his work presented a more authentic picture of China to the international community and helped build a foundation for mutual understanding between China and other countries.
International delegates said retracing Snow’s historic journey allowed them to gain a deeper appreciation of China’s history, culture and development beyond what could be learned through books or media reports. They described the experience as an opportunity to engage directly with historical sites, scholars and local communities.
According to the organizers, the initiative aims to strengthen international exchanges by encouraging firsthand engagement with China’s history, culture and development. By retracing Edgar Snow’s footsteps and promoting dialogue among scholars, journalists and youth from different countries, the program seeks to carry forward the values of truth, friendship and mutual respect that defined Edgar Snow’s legacy.
The event brought together approximately 200 representatives, including members of the Edgar Snow Memorial Foundation, Snow’s family members, experts, scholars and Generation Z youth from China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Bangladesh, Egypt, Armenia and several other countries.
The Rotary Club of Sonargaon Dhaka has elected its new Board of Directors for the Rotary Year 2026–2027. Prominent banker Mohammad Sahin Uddin has been elected as President of the Club.
The newly elected 17-member Board also includes Shahidul Alam as General Secretary and Abu Shaheen as Treasurer. The Board will lead the Club and oversee its activities for the next one year.
Mohammad Sahin Uddin is a distinguished banking professional with extensive experience in the financial sector. He is actively involved in several professional and social organizations and currently serves as an Executive Committee Member of the Bankers’ Club, the Accounting Alumni Association, University of Dhaka, the Bankers’ Welfare Association, and several other organizations.
Expressing his gratitude to the members for their confidence and support, Mohammad Sahin Uddin said that he is committed to upholding Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self,” by strengthening the Club’s humanitarian initiatives in the areas of education, healthcare, community development, environmental sustainability, and youth empowerment. He emphasized that, with the active cooperation of all members, the Club will continue to make a meaningful and lasting impact on society.
The newly elected Board reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the Club’s proud legacy while expanding its community service initiatives and promoting the ideals and values of Rotary through impactful projects over the coming year.
