Journalism: Creative or Cursed Profession?

A new discussion has emerged regarding whether journalism qualifies as a creative profession. Two significant questions have surfaced in this context. The first is, what criteria will be established for state acknowledgment as a professional journalist? The second is, will journalists be regarded as professionals akin to lawyers, teachers, doctors, and engineers, or will they be viewed as specialized 'creative individuals' similar to writers, poets, and artists? In addition to these two inquiries, another pressing question arises: is journalism a cursed profession?

This is due to the fact that in order to uphold professionalism and objectivity, journalists often find themselves isolated, with economic pressures being a constant aspect of the profession. A truly professional journalist tends to receive more criticism than praise. Drawing from my nearly thirty years of experience in journalism, I feel compelled to express some uncomfortable truths. I sincerely apologize if my words offend anyone.

Recently, Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan informed the National Assembly that measures will be taken to register journalists in a manner similar to that of doctors and lawyers. This has sparked considerable debate. It raises the crucial question, 'Is journalism a creative profession?' If it is indeed a creative profession, what standards will be used to assess and register that creativity? Who will be responsible for evaluating these standards?

A significant challenge for professional journalists in Bangladesh is that the field has become dominated by individuals who merely claim to be journalists. The prevalence of underground media outlets characterized by poor journalism far exceeds that of reputable national dailies and online news platforms. Furthermore, the number of amateur content creators is rapidly increasing in comparison to professional television journalism. Consequently, those who assert their identity as journalists now outnumber actual professional journalists by several times. This imbalance has led to their dominance in organizations such as the National Press Club, Dhaka Reporters Unity, and Dhaka Journalists Union. A section of the journalist leadership is not rich in professional journalism experience, but their professionalism in the underground declaration business is extraordinary! As part of this business, more than a hundred well-known newspapers are still printed from one or two presses with the same content. And due to the lack of professionalism, there is inevitably a political division among the leadership of journalist organizations. As a result, the main task of journalistic leadership becomes loyalty to their respective political parties, not professionalism.

Again, almost all of the first-class quality media outlets are established and managed by large corporate capital. As a result, journalists also have to pay special attention to protecting the business interests of the owners in addition to professionalism in journalism. As a result, journalists at the leadership of these media outlets constantly have to be in a big conflict between professionalism and loyalty.

As a case study in journalistic integrity and professionalism, the incident that transpired in Savar on the evening of July 8 warrants examination. On that night, an Argentina-Egypt match was being held as part of the FIFA World Cup. During the match, a journalist reported being assaulted by government officials or their associates within the upazila complex. The journalist, Didarul Islam, claimed that local administration officials and their family members were watching the World Cup match while operating the air conditioning in the conference room of the upazila complex, thereby contravening government policies aimed at conserving electricity. When Didarul Islam approached them to inquire about this breach of the government's 'waste of electricity' policy, he was reportedly attacked by the officials and their relatives or associates.

Conversely, Assistant Commissioner (Land) Abdullah Al Amin, who was present during the incident, stated that earlier in the day, a mobile court had conducted a raid on a factory, disconnecting illegal gas connections and imposing fines.

Journalist Didarul Islam contacted him around 10:45 pm regarding this matter. Subsequently, he visited Al Amin with representatives from the factory, advocating on behalf of the factory and requesting a reduction in the fine. However, when Al Amin expressed his unwillingness to assist the factory, Didarul Islam recorded a video of the conference room and questioned the use of government electricity for watching the match. Upon analyzing the sequence of events, one must ponder whether Didarul Islam genuinely intended to engage in professional journalism. Numerous special arrangements have been made in the capital for viewing the World Cup match, including large screens in public areas and special setups in various clubs and hotel lounges. Thus, can the act of watching a World Cup match with family in the conference room of the Upazila Complex be classified as a newsworthy event? What does common sense dictate?

If the number of members in the house is two, inevitably except for one light, the rest are turned off. Therefore, electricity is being saved there. Therefore, the first question that arises is about the ‘common sense’ of the journalist in showing such great professionalism (!) in organizing a 90-minute event to watch this match.

I have reviewed multiple reports regarding the incident. The Daily Star has presented the information in the most professional manner. The online Bengali version of the report provided comprehensive details about the entire incident. In the Daily Star's coverage, statements were obtained from the victim journalist, the Commissioner (Land), and the local Upazila Nirbahi Officer. This report allows readers to gain a clear understanding of the incident. It detailed and analyzed the CCTV footage provided by the local administration of Savar, noting a significant gap in the footage from 12:00 to 12:38, and included the UNO's comments on this matter. Consequently, this report exemplifies professionalism.

I then accessed the portal where the journalist works, attempting to locate Didarul Alam's report. However, the site is technically deficient and flawed, making it impossible to find the report. A Google search reveals reports on various other portals, yet Dhaka Today remains elusive. Notably, the site lacks an editor's name at the bottom, and there is no office address provided. Only a mobile number and an email address are available. The portal does mention its registration number with the Ministry of Information. However, a residential address in the Gulshan area is listed on Facebook. Any discerning individual who visits the portal will quickly grasp its standing in the realm of professional journalism. Should the professionalism of the Daily Star journalist be assessed in the same manner as that of this journalist? If so, would that be justified?

Another crucial aspect to consider in this incident is that Didarul Islam sustained injuries and was hospitalized following the attack. This confirms that an assault on Didarul Islam did occur. Furthermore, the local administration failed to provide the 38 minutes of missing footage, and no explanation has been given regarding what transpired during that time. No answer was received from the administration about what happened in those 38 minutes. Another significant aspect of the incident is equally noteworthy. Assistant Commissioner (Land) Abdullah Al Amin informed the Daily Star, "Then I told him, you came to lobby for the illegal factory, you were detained. Later, at the request of the journalists, he was released on bond. He was not beaten up." In essence, he assumed the role of a mobile court judge merely by donning an Argentine jersey and watching the match! Can you comprehend how alarming it is for the average citizen that a government official can swiftly become a judge in a court of law simply because he disapproves of a question?

Furthermore, in our nation, the evidence of the extent of anarchy that government officials can exhibit in the operation of mobile courts is glaringly apparent. We have not forgotten the events of the late night of March 13, 2020, when certain officials from the local Kurigram district administration, including the then RDC Nazim Uddin, Rahatul Islam, and Rintu Bikash Chakma, perpetrated a violent attack on the residence of local journalist Ariful Islam Riggan under the guise of conducting a mobile court. They forcibly took journalist Riggan to the district administration office and subjected him to severe physical abuse. Subsequently, they established a so-called mobile court and sentenced him to jail with a fine. Such atrocious acts of terrorism by government officials are unprecedented in the annals of bureaucracy. This operation was directed against a journalist from one of the country's reputable online news platforms, Bangla Tribune, for exposing a verified corruption case involving the then Deputy Commissioner of Kurigram, Parveen Sultana. Even after the government investigation committee substantiated the crimes committed by these officials, the then Awami League government took extraordinary measures through the President to grant clemency to these officials! Following their pardon, one of the officials, Nazim Uddin, was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Satkhira Municipality.

During that period, several allegations of torture of local people and journalists and public bribery were raised against him with evidence. The most astonishing aspect is that following the establishment of the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, actions were initiated to appoint Nazim Uddin as the Upazila Executive Officer, indicating that he had been marginalized during the Awami League's tenure!

Subsequently, when the media highlighted this issue, the appointment was put on hold. Numerous instances exist of bureaucrats misusing the Digital Security Act and employing force against journalists throughout the Awami League's administration. A well-known incident is the assault on Prothom Alo journalist Rozina Islam at the secretariat in Dhaka. The then Foreign Minister, Dr. Momen, also denounced the attack on Rozina Islam. However, despite the police investigation clearing Rozina Islam of any wrongdoing, the bureaucracy vehemently resisted the retraction of the false charges brought against her. I have many acquaintances and friends within the bureaucratic circles. I am aware of numerous officials who are both intelligent and compassionate. Yet, they find themselves powerless against this corrupt bureaucratic system.

This raises a pertinent question. Regardless of how journalists are subjected to registration, it will inevitably occur through this bureaucratic framework. Therefore, how can we ensure that genuine journalists will be registered within this system and that the process will remain untainted? What assurance do we have that this 'deregistration' will not evolve into a significant tool for controlling professional journalism post-registration?

Another concern arises. Since the Journalists Union was split into two factions in 1992 based on political beliefs, we have observed that during various administrations, a faction of journalist leadership aligned with the ruling party has dominated the fate of the journalistic community. Even during Dr. Muhammad Yunus's interim government, we witnessed the unexpected emergence of a class of bureaucratic journalist leadership that suddenly pledged allegiance to that administration. Undoubtedly, the journalist leadership loyal to the government will be closely monitored during the registration process. As a result, does not there remain major doubts about judging the criteria of true professionalism in the registration process? The registration process does not, and cannot, guarantee the professionalism of journalists.

There is an ongoing discussion regarding whether journalists should be classified as institutional professionals akin to doctors, teachers, and engineers. In reality, journalists cannot be deemed as creative individuals in the same vein as poets, writers, and painters. This is due to the necessity for journalists to convey information substantiated by evidence concerning events that transpire in everyday life within an institutional context. In the process of delivering this information, there is little room for the use of metaphors or the expansive imagination characteristic of creative writers. Consequently, there ought to be a criterion for determining who qualifies as a professional journalist. However, this criterion should not be a limiting process or examination. Journalists do not fit the mold of conventional institutional professionals such as doctors, lawyers, teachers, and engineers. The practice of journalism does not solely rely on formal education in the pertinent field. While it may not resemble the work of a poet or writer, there exists a relationship between imagination and creativity within journalism. Each journalist has the capacity to depict the same factual event in a unique manner through their creative thought, while still maintaining the integrity of information and evidence. The more engaging the presentation is to the reader, the more professional the journalist is perceived to be.

For instance, many individuals have engaged in journalism from a rural perspective. Yet, Monazat Uddin stands out among them due to his exceptional talent and creativity. Likewise, numerous journalists report on cricket matches, but when one reads Utpal Shuvro's match report, the experience of the match is illuminated in a new way. Thus, by what standards can one assess Utpal Shuvro's professionalism and creativity?

This is a point that the Honorable Information Minister must consider. Rather than focusing on the registration of journalists, it is essential to implement a specific policy regarding the hiring of journalists within the media sector. If media organizations are compelled to adhere to acceptable standards in their recruitment processes and event management, the issues at hand can be effectively addressed. Ultimately, a journalist in Bangladesh must be accountable to their respective media organization. I have previously outlined the institutional differences between the Daily Star and Dhaka Today in relation to the Savar incident. When an organization upholds professionalism in its recruitment and management practices, the journalists employed therein will also rise to meet those professional standards.

Furthermore, exceptionally talented journalists, such as Utpal Shuvro, will have the opportunity to fully showcase their creativity. If organizations establish specific standards and ensure accountability, professional journalists will be safeguarded against sudden unemployment or financial instability. Additionally, organizations will be able to navigate the dismissal of incompetent or corrupt journalists without significant complications. Consequently, the rapid emergence of amateur journalists will be curtailed. Professionalism will also extend to the leadership of journalist organizations.

The pressing question now is, who will oversee the management of news media organizations based on professionalism? In this regard, the Press Council or the Media Commission could assume responsibility similar to that of the BMA or the Bar Council. It has been demonstrated that a bureaucratic system fosters the proliferation of declaration businesses, gives rise to numerous amateur organizations, and supports underground journalism, particularly around Fakirarpool. Therefore, it is crucial to approve media entities (including newspapers, online news portals, and TV channels), establish management standards, and create a genuinely capable and acceptable press council or media commission to ensure effective management and oversight.

That is why it is most important to approve the media (newspapers, online news portals, TV channels), create standards for their management, and form a truly capable and acceptable press council or media commission to ensure the management and accountability of the media according to those standards. Hopefully, the government's policy makers will consider this real situation and make a decision. An impartial, professional media is very important in the interest of the country to free journalism in Bangladesh from the curse and present accurate information to the government.

Rased Mehedi, Editor, Views Bangladesh