DHAKA, May 11, 2024 (BSS) - Afsan Chowdhury, Bangladesh's prominent liberation war researcher, columnist, Ekushey medalist and veteran journalist, was awarded with Ihsanul Karim Award for Media Excellence this year.

Cash prize of Taka one lakh, a crest and certificate were given as award, said a press release.

Chowdhury was conferred the award at a programme of Ihsanul Karim Award for Media Excellence at the Dhaka Club here today under the arrangement of Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) Alumni Association, Bangladesh.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury spoke on the occasion as the chief guest.

President of Jatiya Press Club Farida Yasmin, MP, Editor of United News of Bangladesh (UNB) Farid Hossain, General Secretary of IIMC Zahid Newaz Khan and Central Committee Treasurer Animesh Biswas also spoke, among others.

Former Managing Director of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha Azizul Islam Bhuiyan presided over it.

BSS Managing Director and Chief Editor Abul Kalam Azad, BSS Chief News Editor (CNE) Omar Faruque and Karim's family members including his wife Momtaz Shireen Karim were present, among others.

Saber Hossain Chowdhury said that Bangladesh-India relations should not be on which party is in power in the country rather it should be a permanent bond based on mutual respect.
 
He said that Bangladesh-India friendship will last on the basis of constructive dialogue and cooperation to meet mutual challenges and develop regional prosperity.

Development journalism, he said, plays a leading role to address environmental challenges and socio-economic progress of the country and urged the media to produce report on improvement of the country's environment.

Earlier, a new committee of 13 members of IIMC Alumni Association, Bangladesh was formed for the period of 2024-26 in the biennial general meeting making Farid Hossain its president and Angur Nahar Monty general secretary.

Prime Minister's Press Secretary and veteran journalist Ihsanul Karim Helal passed away on March 10 last at 73.

He also served as press secretary to President Abdul Hamid and managing director and chief editor of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS). He was the founding president of IIMC Alumni Association, Bangladesh.

Karim fought the Liberation War in 1971 in the western frontier as a member of the Bangladesh Liberation Force (BLF).