Home Interview Professional Icon: Khaleda Jasmin Mithela

Professional Icon: Khaleda Jasmin Mithela

Khaleda Jasmin Mithela
Communication Officer
Dhaka North – BIGRS Programme

Showcasing Khaleda Jasmin Mithela, a proficient Communication Officer at the Dhaka North – BIGRS Programme. With a knack for effective communication strategies and a dedication to making impactful contributions, Khaleda spearheads initiatives to amplify the program’s reach and impact. Discover how her expertise in communication is shaping the landscape of development in Dhaka North.

Let’s learn about her journey.

Ms. Khaleda Jasmin Mithela, please share your professional and academic peregrination for our readers!

My professional journey has been one of diverse experiences, each contributing significantly to my growth and expertise in various domains. I have served as an Assistant Private Secretary to the Honorable Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

Additionally, Venturing into consultancy with Bloomberg Philanthropies initiative for Global Road Safety, I assumed the role of a Communication Officer, providing technical support to government agencies in enhancing road safety efforts at Dhaka North.

Collaborating with Vital Strategies, I facilitated communication campaigns aligned with local road safety plans, thereby contributing to broader initiatives under the Bloomberg Philanthropies umbrella.

My tenure as a Public Relations Officer at the Bangladesh Institute of Capital Market, I engaged in strategic liaison with government stakeholders, devised PR strategies, and executed media plans. My tenure saw me as the voice of the Institute, effectively communicating key messages through national events and media campaigns. While my role as a Communication Officer with Marie Stopes Bangladesh under the International Aids Alliance project, I delved into the realm of public health communication, focusing on sexual and reproductive health rights campaigns. Here, I orchestrated various communication initiatives such as theater for development, focus group discussions, and television dramas, contributing to vital awareness efforts. Lastly, my experience as a Reporter for Somoy Television provided me with hands-on journalism experience. Through a combination of diverse roles and responsibilities I meet this.

Each role I’ve undertaken has not only added depth to my professional repertoire but also reinforced my commitment to effective communication, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement across diverse contexts. As I embark on this new chapter with InCap’s Branding Positivity Branding Professional campaign, I look forward to leveraging my experiences to contribute positively to this esteemed initiative.

Can you share your experience in managing communication strategies for the Dhaka North – BIGRS Programme? What key achievements or challenges have you encountered in this role?

Certainly! As a Communication Officer for the Dhaka North – Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety (BIGRS) Programme, I’ve been entrusted with the task of devising and implementing communication strategies aimed at improving road safety in the Dhaka North area. This role entails a multifaceted approach to addressing the complex challenges associated with road safety, including raising awareness, changing behaviors, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.

My experience in managing communication strategies for the Dhaka North – BIGRS Programme has been dynamic and rewarding. It involves working closely with the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and local communities to develop targeted campaigns and initiatives that resonate with the diverse population of Dhaka North.

One of the key aspects of my role is crafting messages and content that effectively communicate the importance of road safety measures and encourage positive behavioral changes among road users. This involves leveraging various communication channels such as social media, traditional media, community events, and educational workshops to reach different segments of the population.

Additionally, I play a crucial role in building partnerships and fostering collaboration among stakeholders to maximize the impact of our communication efforts. By engaging with local leaders, community groups, and businesses, we create a unified approach towards addressing road safety challenges and implementing sustainable solutions.

Overall, managing communication strategies for the Dhaka North – BIGRS Programme requires a combination of creativity, strategic thinking, and effective stakeholder engagement. It’s a rewarding endeavor that allows me to contribute to saving lives and making a positive impact on road safety in the Dhaka North area.

In my capacity as a Communication Officer for the Dhaka North – Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety (BIGRS) Programme, I have witnessed notable achievements alongside notable challenges. One significant milestone lies in our adeptness at forging partnerships and nurturing collaboration among diverse stakeholders. Through close coordination with the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), governmental bodies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and local communities, we have cultivated a unified front in tackling road safety concerns. This concerted effort has paved the way for the implementation of impactful interventions and the pooling of resources to bolster our initiatives. Moreover, receiving recognition from city authorities regarding road safety as a public health priority, along with their unwavering commitment to addressing it, marks a pivotal endorsement of our endeavors.

One of the main challenges encountered is the resistance to behavioral change. Ingrained habits and cultural norms can pose obstacles to achieving lasting behavior change. The lack of adequate infrastructure, such as poorly maintained roads and inadequate traffic management systems, poses challenges to road safety initiatives. Addressing these structural issues requires concerted efforts beyond communication strategies alone and often involves advocacy and collaboration with relevant authorities. Despite these challenges, our commitment to promoting road safety in Dhaka North remains unwavering. Through perseverance, innovation, and collaboration, we continue to overcome obstacles and work towards our goal of creating safer roads for all residents.

As a Communication Officer, how do you ensure effective communication between various stakeholders involved in the BIGRS Programme? Can you provide examples of successful communication initiatives you have led?

As a Communication Officer for the BIGRS Programme, I am dedicated to ensuring effective communication among the diverse stakeholders involved in our initiatives. One of my primary strategies is to raise awareness within Dhaka city about the critical importance of road safety as a public health issue. We emphasize that road crashes are not mere accidents but rather preventable incidents that can be addressed through a safe system approach.

To achieve this, I have spearheaded various communication initiatives, including advocacy campaigns aimed at engaging policymakers and garnering their support for road safety measures. For instance, I worked closely with local authorities to engage policymakers, leading to the mayor publicly committing to prioritize road safety for the city’s residents. This commitment reassured the community of the city’s dedication to enhancing road safety measures.

Furthermore, our programme has taken significant steps to observe global events dedicated to road safety, such as the UN Road Safety Week and the World Remembrance Day of Road Traffic Victims first time for Dhaka North. These initiatives serve as platforms to amplify our message and engage the public in meaningful conversations about road safety.

One successful communication initiative I led was the “Agenda Setting Road Safety Campaign” in Dhaka North City Corporation. This campaign aimed to highlight the plight of road traffic victims through awareness events, media outreach, community engagement, and policy advocacy. By sharing testimonials from victims, engaging with local media, involving community leaders, and advocating for policy changes, the campaign successfully raised awareness about road safety issues and garnered support for initiatives to prevent road traffic accidents, ultimately contributing to a safer road environment for residents. The Road Safety agenda setting Campaign-that marks the intersection of remembrance, awareness, and action.

How do you foster collaboration and synergy among different teams and departments to ensure a cohesive communication approach?

Fostering collaboration and synergy among different teams and departments is essential to ensuring a cohesive communication approach within the organization. To achieve this, I prioritize open communication channels and cultivate a culture of transparency and teamwork. Regular meetings, both formal and informal, provide opportunities for teams to share insights, updates, and challenges, fostering a sense of unity and common purpose. Additionally, I encourage cross-departmental collaboration by facilitating joint projects and initiatives, where teams can leverage each other’s strengths and expertise to achieve shared goals. Clear communication of objectives, roles, and expectations helps align efforts across departments, ensuring everyone is working towards a common vision. By fostering a collaborative environment built on trust, respect, and shared goals, we maximize the effectiveness of our communication efforts and achieve greater impact as a unified team.

How do you tailor your communication strategies to address the needs and preferences of different target groups, such as government officials, community members, and project partners?

Tailoring communication strategies to address the diverse needs and preferences of different target groups, including government officials, community members, and project partners, is essential for ensuring effective engagement and understanding. Firstly, I conduct thorough audience analysis to understand the unique characteristics, interests, and communication preferences of each group. For government officials, who often require concise and data-driven information, I prioritize clear, policy-focused messaging delivered through official channels such as meetings, reports, and briefings. In contrast, for community members, who may prefer more interactive and relatable content, I utilize grassroots outreach methods such as community meetings, workshops, and local media to facilitate two-way communication and foster trust. When engaging with project partners, I emphasize collaborative communication approaches, involving regular meetings, shared project management tools, and tailored updates that align with their organizational goals and priorities. By adapting communication strategies to suit the specific needs and preferences of each target group, I ensure that our messages resonate effectively, driving meaningful engagement and fostering positive relationships across all stakeholders involved in the project.

Besides That, my diverse background across journalism, public relations, and consultancy equips me with a comprehensive skill set and a deep understanding of effective communication strategies, which I continuously leverage to drive impactful outcomes in my current role with BIGRS and beyond.

Ms. Khaleda Jasmin Mithela, please say something to the readers!

Answer: It’s a pleasure to connect with you all through the platform of the International Corporate Association of Professionals (InCAP). As professionals striving for excellence in our respective fields, we are united by a shared commitment to growth, innovation, and positive impact.

In our fast-paced world, effective communication is key to success. It’s through platforms like InCAP that we can exchange ideas, share insights, and collaborate on projects that have the potential to shape industries and drive progress. I am honored to be part of this community, and I encourage each of you to seize the opportunities presented here, to network, to learn, and to inspire one another. Together, we can achieve remarkable things.

Thank you for your attention, and I look forward to engaging with you further as we journey towards our goals together.

Quick Chat with Khaleda Jasmin Mithela

The most outstanding achievement of your life as of now:
As of now, one of the most outstanding achievements of my life has been my role in spearheading communication strategies for the Dhaka North – Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety (BIGRS) Programme. Through this initiative, I have had the opportunity to lead efforts in raising awareness about road safety issues and fostering positive behavioral changes among the residents of Dhaka North. Utilizing my expertise as a Communication Officer, I have contributed significantly to shaping impactful campaigns and initiatives aimed at promoting safer road practices and reducing traffic incidents. This achievement holds particular significance to me as it reflects my dedication to making a tangible difference in the community and addressing crucial public health challenges head-on.

The greatest philosopher in your view:
Buddha. His teachings, known as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, offer profound insights into the nature of existence, human suffering, and the pursuit of inner peace and enlightenment. Buddha’s philosophy emphasizes mindfulness, compassion, and the cultivation of wisdom as essential aspects of leading a fulfilling life.

Your Icon:
My Father

Name the most influential books you have read:
Think Like A Monk: Train Your Mind for Peace and Purpose Every day.” By Jay Shetty

Your greatest fear:
Negativity is my greatest fear

Best piece of advice you’ve received:
Always remain curious and never stop learning

You in only three words:
Adaptive, knowledgeable, supportive

Skill Set

Hard Skills: Strategic communication planning; Media relations; Digital marketing; Social media management; Content creation and management; Crisis communication; Event planning and management; Public speaking and presentation skills; Graphic design and desktop publishing; Copywriting; Multimedia production (video editing, photography); Stakeholder engagement; Writing and editing (press releases, speeches, articles)

Soft Skills: Communication skills (verbal and written); Interpersonal skills; Adaptability; Creativity; Emotional intelligence; Problem-solving abilities; Attention to detail; Empathy; Networking; Leadership skills

Prayer For The Human Civilization:
May we, as a global community, strive for unity, compassion, and peace, working together to build a brighter future for all humanity.

The InCAP: Thank you, Ms. Khaleda Jasmin Mithela! It’s a glittering conversation with you!

Ms. Khaleda Jasmin Mithela: My pleasure! Wish you all the best! Thank you

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