Tajikistan marked the Tajik Press Day yesterday.  On this occasion, a ceremonial meeting, organized by Tajik Journalists’ Union and the Ministry of Culture of Tajikistan, was held at the State Tajik Youth Theater named after Mahmoudjon Vohidov in Dushanbe.

The award ceremony for the winners of the Abulqasem Lohouti Award took place on the sidelines of the meeting.

Mr. Ehson Khoushbakht, a spokesman for the Ministry of Education and Science, Ms. Vera Ismoilova, Director of Mir Interstate Television and Radio Company’s Branch in Tajikistan, and Ms. Fazilat Ibrohimzoda became winners of the Abulqasem Lohouti Award in the “Print Media”, “Television” and “Radio” nominations respectively.

Established in 1967, the Abulqasem Lohouti Award is given for significant contributions in the area of journalism.

Besides, the best radio outlets were awarded on the occasion of the Tajik Press Day.

Jumhuriyat, an official mouthpiece of the Government of Tajikistan, was recognized as the Newspaper of the Year, Avesto was recognized as the News Agency of the Year, Vatan was recognized as the Radio Station of the Year, and Sinamo was recognized as the TV Channel of the Year.   Bonuvon was recognized as the best magazine.  

Editor-in-chief of Minbari Khalq, an official mouthpiece of the ruling People’s Democratic Party of Tajikistan, Bakhtiyor Hamdamov, was recognized as the best editor-in-chief, and Abdullo Rahnamo was recognized as the best expert.  

The press center of the National Bank of Tajikistan (NBT) was recognized the Press Center of the Year.  

Journalist Valijon Bayoni, who died in February this year, was recognized the Journalist of the Year.  

By president’s decree the Tajik Press Day has been marked on March 11 since 1993.  The Tajik Press Day is marked on March 11 in honor of the first Tajik-language newspaper, Bukhoroi Sharif (The Glorious Bukhara), the first edition of which was issued on March 11, 1912.