Four journalists receive ASF Media Award

Winners of ASF Media Award 2004 and 2005 presented by Acid Survivors Foundation pose for photograph with the guests at the Spectra Convention Centre in the city yesterday. PHOTO: STAR

The Acid Survivors Foundation (ASF) presented the awards to the journalists for their contribution in raising awareness about acid violence.

Moniruzzaman Uzzal of the daily Jugantor won the 'Best reporter' award (print media) and Munni Saha of ATN Bangla got the 'Best TV reporter' award (electronic media).

The 'Best feature reporter' award (print media) went to Afroza Nazneen of the daily Ajker Kagoj while Abir Abdullah of European Press Photo Agency (EPA) won the award in press photography category.

Dutch Ambassador Kees Beemsterboer, who attended the ceremony as the chief guest, gave away the crests to the winners at the Spectra Convention Centre.

Each winner also received a cheque for Tk 30,000 and a certificate.

Speaking on the occasion, eminent author Selina Hossain called on the journalists to put in their best efforts to curb acid violence.

Monira Rahman, executive director of ASF, said, "The number of acid attacks, which was 487 in 2002, has reduced to 268 in 2005 because we are working together to fight the menace."

SAM Showket Hossain, treasurer of ASF, and SAM Sajjad Hossain, director (finance) of the Centre for Developing Management Excellence, were also present at the function.

The function was dedicated to late Nasreen Huq, country director of ActionAid and a founder-trustee of ASF.