Bangladesh

Our work in Bangladesh is focused on improving the production of investigative and in-depth journalism that addresses sustainability challenges such as climate change, the environment, and poverty. The articles produced often directly impact policymaking (both local, regional, and national) and have functioned as leverage to launch legal investigations into cases with suspected corruption in key fields such as medicine and education.

The support to the Bangladeshi news media sector is needs-based and expressed by the journalists submitting proposals to the programme where they present their story idea, rationale and budget. Expressed knowledge gaps are addressed by support from the local partner MRDI, Fojo and a vast network of local and international consultants. As such, the work is entirely led by local actors.

Media houses also receive tailored trainings for junior and senior journalists. The programme runs a help desk for journalists on investigative journalism and the right to information.

Another key aspect is supporting women journalists in challenging the perception of journalism being a male profession and creating an equal work environment where all journalists can thrive. We also work to make news outlets more sustainable by prioritising marginalised sections of society and reflecting sustainability challenges in reporting.