Diplomatic journalism strengthening foreign policy: Foreign secretary

Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam has said that diplomatic journalism is playing an important role in strengthening Bangladesh’s foreign policy.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh, DCAB Media Award and members’ writers’ honour ceremony, held on Sunday morning, December 21, at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka.

He said that in today’s complex geopolitical environment, diplomatic journalists are contributing positively to international relations and foreign policy through responsible and constructive reporting.

At the event, three journalists were awarded the DCAB Media Award for outstanding contributions to diplomatic reporting. Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam and jury board chief Riaz Ahmed handed over the awards to the winners.

In the print category, Arifuzzaman Mamun of Dainik Amader Shomoy was selected, while in the television category, Jamuna Television’s foreign affairs editor Mahfuzur Rahman Mishu won the award. In the online category, Apurba Kumar Piku of Sarabangla.net was named best reporter.

The foreign secretary expressed hope that journalists covering the diplomatic beat would continue to play an even more effective role in safeguarding national interests through responsible and professional journalism, and praised DCAB for the initiative.

Jury board chief and Dhaka Tribune executive editor Riaz Ahmed said diplomatic journalism in Bangladesh stands apart from other beats by presenting news from multiple perspectives rather than a single narrative. He added that Bangladeshi diplomatic journalists believe in a “Bangladesh first” approach and are more professional than their counterparts in many regional countries.

DCAB president A K M Moinuddin and general secretary Arifuzzaman Mamun also spoke at the programme.

The DCAB Media Award was introduced in 2024, and this year marked its second edition. Crests were presented to all competitors in the three categories, while special honours were also given to DCAB member writers.

Before the award ceremony, writer honours were presented to four members involved in creative writing. This year’s recipients were Rashed Mehdi of Views Bangladesh, Ishrat Jahan Urmi of DBC News, Masud Karim of Deshkal News and Nahid Hossain of Alap.

After the event, DCAB signed a memorandum of understanding with Insaf Barakah Kidney and General Hospital to ensure discounted medical services for its members and their families.