The media should play an active role in working for peace and tolerance in the society as people trust in it more than other sectors, said speakers at a programme yesterday.

Addressing as chief guest the inaugural ceremony of the three-day training programme for journalists, former chief information commissioner Dr M Golam Rahman said conflict exists in a society.

There should be efforts so that the conflict does not turn into violence, he said, adding that the media can play a good role in this context.

Society for Media and Suitable Human-Communication Techniques organised the training course titled “Promoting Peace and Tolerance through Media” with support from USAID's “Obirodh: Road to Tolerance Program” at the Press Institute of Bangladesh, says a press release.

The media should utilise its positive reputation in the society, said Mir Masrur Zaman, senior news editor of channel-i.

Around 22 journalists from different media houses are participating in the training programme.