Bangladesh
Institute
of
Journalism
and
Electronic
Media
(BIJEM)
Prologue:
There can be hardly any denying that journalism is a unique discipline.
No other professional course simultaneously offers knowledge, wisdom,
vision, adventure, challenge and entertainment like journalism. The
growing interest of Bangladeshi young men and women towards this
profession has put tremendous pressure on the handful of public and
private universities which offer degrees in this subject. It is in this
backdrop that Bangladesh Institute of Journalism and Electronic Media (BIJEM)
came into existence as the countries first ever journalism institute in
the private sector.
Background:
Three public university, i.e. the University of Dhaka, Chittagong
University and Rajshahi University offer honors and masters degree in
journalism. Besides, several private universities like-Independent
University of Bangladesh (IUB), Stamford University, University of
Liberal Arts, East-West University (EWU), American International
University-Bangladesh (AIUB) and Daffodil International University (DIU)
have journalism department. The University of Dhaka started its
journalism department in 1962 by offering a diploma course; it was the
first journalism department in this country. Later, this diploma course
was terminated and Masters in journalism was introduced.
In 1978, Honors was introduced which was the
first under graduation journalism course in the indo-Pak subcontinent.
The National University after quite long time decided to introduce Post
graduate journalism course. In
2001, Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB), an institute under
the Ministry of Information, started its `Post Graduate Diploma in
Journalism’ by taking the affiliation of National University.
Besides this, Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB), National Institute of
Mass Communication (NIMCO), Bangladesh Centre for Development,
Journalism and Communication (BCDJC) and Mass line Media Centre (MMC),
News Network and some other NGO’s started operating short term courses
in journalism to meet the increasing demand of time. However, public
interest kept increasing over time-especially after the initiation of
innovative and quality print and electronic media.
Samia Rahman, News
Presenter, NTV
Dima Nefartity, News
Presenter, ATN Bangla
A drive need of an appropriate media
institute in the private sector arose very justifiably and at
last, with a now of cultivating state of the art education,
Training, Research and Publication in the area of Journalism and
Mass Communication. BIJEM’s journey started in the 1st and 2nd floor at a
building in Elephant Road, Dhaka. Initially its name was
Bangladesh Institute of Communication Studies and Public
Relations (BICSPR) which changed into its present name (BIJEM)
in September 2007. BIJEM is county’s first every media
institute in the private sector and the only one which
is affiliated to the National University. This new
organization, by dint of its dedicated efforts in
imparting innovative and up-to-date training on
students, has earned tremendous repute at the national
level regardless of government, semi-government and
private sectors. Students trust is its strength; their
reliability is its glory.
Dewan Sayeedul Hassan, News
Presenter, BTV & Bangladesh Betar
BIJEM’S Objectives:
1.
To create skilled workforce
through effective training in print & electronic media
journalism, traditional media, public relations, film,
drama, editing and publishing, advertising, information
technology and so on.
2.
To encourage women-side by side
men-in mass communication, journalism and media studies.
3.
To publish books and journals in
all disciplines of mass communication and journalism.
4.
To arrange seminars, symposiums,
workshops etc to create mass awareness and protect the
interest of journalists and media activities.
5.
To work as consultants in the
field of mass communication, journalism and media
related issues.
6.
To motivate children for building
careers in radio, television and print media-as well as
develop their talents and skills through different
courses.