DUSHANBE, March 13, Asia-Plus - On Saturday March 11, a ceremonial meeting was held at the Opera and Ballet Theatre in Dushanbe on the occasion of a Day of Tajikistan’s Press.

Minister of Culture Rajabmad Amirov inaugurated the meeting and Deputy Prime Minister Khairinisso Mavlonova read out a letter of congratulations on behalf of President Emomali Rahmonov.   

 During the meeting the best Tajik journalists were awarded decorations “Exemplary Worker of the Press”, “Exemplary Worker of Culture” and certificates of the Ministry of Culture.   

Journalist Mukhtor Boqizoda, Senior Adviser to the Tajik President Isomiddin Sayfiddinov, correspondent of the newspaper “Adabiyot va Sanat” Mirzo Shukurzoda, and correspondent of the news agency “Asia-Plus” Nargis Hamroboyeva were awarded the “Exemplary Worker of the Press” decoration.  

The “Charkhi Gardun” director general Akbarali Sattorzida, the Majlisi Oli (Tajik parliament) spokesman Muhammadato Sultonov, the “Khovar news agency director Zafar Saidov and the “Oila” editor-in-chief Firuza Sattori were awarded the “Exemplary Worker of Culture” decoration.    

An exposition of newspapers, magazines and books will be held in the theatre’s hall on sidelines of the meeting.  

            We will recall that the official date for the establishment of the Tajik press is March 11 1912 , when the first edition of the Tajik-language newspaper “Bukhoroi Sharif” (Glorious Bukhara) was issued. 

Government presents were given the “Jumhuriyat” editor-in-chief Kamol Abdurrahmonov, the “Sadoi Mardum” editor-in-chief Bobojon Vorobyov, the “Tojikiston” editor-in-chief Sharif Hamdamov, the “Kuryer Tadjikistana” editor-in-chief Muhammadjon Toshtemirov, and the “Asia-Plus” media holding director general Umed Babakhanov. 

As it had been reported earlier, three best journalists were supposed to be given the Abulqosim Lohuti Award during the meeting.  But now it is expected that recipients to the Lohuti Award will be announced in September ahead of a Day of Tajikistan’s Independence .