The Reporters Forum for Election and Democracy (RFED) and the Media Resources Development Initiative (MRDI) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to provide training aimed at enhancing the professional skills of journalists assigned to the Election Commission (EC) beat.

RFED President Kazi Emad Uddin (Zebel) and MRDI Executive Director Hasibur Rahman signed the agreement on behalf of their respective sides this afternoon (18 November) at the EC headquarters in the capital's Agargaon.

Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah, EC Secretariat Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, and UNDP Bangladesh Technical Adviser Andrés del Castillo Sánchez were present at the signing ceremony.

The training programme will be conducted under the UNDP-funded project 'Advancing Media Capacity and Information Integrity'.

Speaking at the event, Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah said, "Training for skill development is not an expenditure; it is an investment."

Referring to the context of the upcoming parliamentary election, he said, "We are in an unusual situation, which does not need explanation. The election must be transparent."

"There is nothing to hide. The media's job is to reveal the truth, not half-truths. We must decide whether we will increase sensitivity or publish complete truths instead of partial ones," he told reporters.

RFED President Kazi Emad Uddin (Zebel) said, "Today is a memorable day. Through MRDI, RFED has now established a connection with UNDP. Training creates a space for building bridges. It will help improve the quality of work and news reporting."

EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said such training is crucial to ensuring a free, fair and acceptable election.

REFD / MRDI / EC / National Election 2026