A forward-looking Professional Development Programme for economic journalists, jointly organized by Robi, the Economic Reporters Forum (ERF), and the British Council Bangladesh, has successfully concluded, equipping participants with essential skills for today’s rapidly evolving media landscape, a press release said.

The specialised training brought together economic journalists, focusing on strengthening their professional capabilities through practical modules on English language proficiency, communication skills, and their application in real-world journalism. The programme also introduced participants to contemporary topics shaping the modern media landscape.

The closing ceremony, held on Sunday (June 28) at the British Council auditorium at Fuller Road in Dhaka, saw the participating journalists receive certificates in recognition of their successful completion of the training.

Speaking at the event, Stephen Forbes, Country Director, British Council Bangladesh, said, “We are proud to support journalists - frontline defenders of economic transparency—to help build a solid platform for Bangladesh’s global voice. Alongside our partner Robi, who has come to us with empowering ideas, we are investing in people to strengthen media professionals, consequently strengthening our entire economic ecosystem.”

Robi Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ziad Shatara said, “Robi believes that people can be empowered through knowledge and skills development. Our ‘Advancing Digital Society’ initiative aims to create opportunities for people to actively participate in the digital economy. At Robi, we remain committed to initiatives that create long-term value for society and contribute to Bangladesh’s sustainable development.We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the British Council for its valuable partnership and support in making this initiative successful.

This training will help journalists improve their professional communication skills and adapt to the evolving media landscape. Robi will continue to support such initiatives for the development of journalists in the future.”

ERF President Doulot Akter Mala said, “Continuous learning opportunities are very important for improving journalists’ professional skills. Such initiatives not only enhance skills but also help journalists adapt to the changing media environment and contribute more effectively to public understanding.

Joint initiatives among different organisations play an important role in strengthening journalists’ capacities. We thank Robi and the British Council for taking such a timely initiative for the development of economic journalists.”

The event was attended by Robi’s Chief Corporate and Regulatory Officer, Barrister Shahed Alam, Public Affairs and Sustainability Director, Sharif Shah Jamal Raz, the British Council Bangladesh’s Managing Director and Head of Market, Zunayed Ahmed, ERF General Secretary, Abul Kashem, along with senior officials from the British Council and Robi.