Students of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication (JMC) at American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) recently visited the office of Ajker Patrika in Banasree, Dhaka, as part of their academic course on Crime and Court Reporting.
The visit was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Pradip Kumar Panday, Professor and Head of the JMC Department, who is currently teaching the course. The session at Ajker Patrika was led by Kamrul Hasan, Acting Editor of the newspaper.
During the session, Kamrul Hasan shared practical insights into crime reporting, emphasizing that accurate journalism depends heavily on verified evidence, stating that without proper documentation such as general diaries (GDs) or official paperwork, a report should not be published. He encouraged students to adopt a critical mindset, stressing the importance of questioning information, verifying sources, and never overlooking minor leads.
He also highlighted the role of empathy in storytelling, noting that understanding a victim’s experience is essential for producing impactful and human-centered reports. At the same time, he warned about the risks associated with crime reporting, including physical danger and safety concerns in the field.
Additionally, students were advised to maintain organized and systematic note-taking practices, using tools such as structured records and data management techniques to ensure accuracy and efficiency in reporting.
The visit provided students with valuable exposure to real newsroom practices, bridging theoretical knowledge with professional application. It also reinforced the importance of legal awareness, ethical responsibility, and strong storytelling skills in contemporary journalism.
The session concluded with an interactive discussion, allowing students to engage directly with the editor and gain deeper insights into the challenges and responsibilities of crime and court reporting.
Importantly, the editor of Ajker Patrika expressed his interest in offering internship opportunities to AIUB JMC students, opening a valuable pathway for practical industry experience.
