AmCham to honour journalists working as Covid-19 frontliners

The American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) will confer awards to valiant journalists working on the front line in the fight against Covid-19 pandemic. 

The AmCham informed the media about the "AmCham Frontline Journalism Award" during a webinar on Wednesday.  

Covid-19 has cast a shadow across the world and the fatalities from the deadly virus have already surpassed half a million worldwide, with thousands getting affected every day, according to the AmCham. 

The number of Covid-19 patients is gradually increasing in Bangladesh as well, it said, adding that in this dire situation, journalists are working on the front line by bringing the latest news and views to keep the people updated about the pandemic as well as helping authorities concerned make right decisions. 

This initiative, undertaken in association with Masthead PR, will acknowledge the contribution of the frontline journalists for their outstanding efforts and courage during the Covid-19 outbreak. 

Reporters and TV camera persons from national media houses can submit their pandemic-related generic/business reports, which are focused on two perspectives – the impact of the pandemic the humanitarian ground, i.e. impact on lives and livelihoods and in the business sector – and are published in the period between March 1 and August 31 this year. 

The deadline for the submission of reports is September 6, 2020. 

The winners will be selected after a careful assessment by a highly reputable selection committee, the AmCham mentioned.

The AmCham Bangladesh believes this initiative will motivate the journalist community and further pinpoint their irreplaceable efforts in helping the nation in its fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud inaugurated the award announcement programme as the chief guest. 

AmCham President Syed Ershad Ahmed presided over the programme while JoAnne Wagner, Deputy Chief of Mission, the United States Embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh attended as the guest of honour. 

AmCham Vice President Syed Mohammad Kamal moderated the programme and briefed the participants about the award. 

Founder and CEO of Masthead PR Ziauddin Adil, and AmCham Executive Committee member Showkat Ali Sarkar also spoke at the event.

In 1988, the association started to operate as American Bangladesh Economic Forum (ABEF). In 1996, it was established formally as the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh, AmCham, to promote the economic relationship between Bangladesh and the United States of America. 

It promotes the exchange of information between the US and Bangladesh to stimulate a greater understanding of each other's potentials and opportunities. 

The AmCham holds full membership of the Asia Pacific Council of American Chambers of Commerce (APCAC). The AmCham Bangladesh has also been accredited as a member of the US Chamber of Commerce.