Safeguarding Media Key to Protecting Democracy: President

A delegation of the Managing Committee of Jatiya Press Club (JPC) paid a courtesy call on President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at Bangabhaban.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today underscored the need to safeguard the media to protect democracy, urging journalists to play a responsible role in upholding the country’s independence, sovereignty and good governance.

“To safeguard democracy, the media must be protected,” he said, adding that journalists must remain on the right path while performing their responsibilities.

The President made the remarks when a delegation of the Managing Committee of the Jatiya Press Club paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban this afternoon.

Referring to his long-standing ties with the Press Club, the President said his relationship with the institution was not merely political but also deeply personal.

“My relationship with the Press Club is not merely political, it is a long-standing spiritual relationship. You stood by me during my most difficult times, which is a great achievement for me,” he said.

Stressing the need to take initiatives to reopen closed newspapers, he said doing so, including newspapers operating under special trusts, could create employment opportunities for at least 1,000 journalists.

The President also stressed the importance of unity among journalists.

“Unity among the journalist community is extremely important and division will never bring success. If you can unite on fundamental issues, you will be able to build effective relations with both the government and the opposition,” he said.

He called for collective measures to protect journalists’ rights and stand firmly against irregularities affecting them.

The President also urged journalists to help change the mindset of the younger generation to strengthen democracy.

“Democracy is a culture. It has to be turned into an institution and a positive change in mindset is necessary for that change. We have to come out of old authoritarian thinking and embrace democratic values,” he said.

He added that developing democratic language and mentality among the younger generation was also important.

The President called on journalists to appropriately highlight the government’s good work in mainstream and social media while also providing reasonable and constructive criticism.

In this regard, he said, “The elected government of the people must be given time to work.”

He also stressed the need to properly highlight the energy crisis caused by global factors, including the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Recalling the long-standing tradition of the Jatiya Press Club, the President remembered the contributions of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia to the development of the institution.

He also stressed effective coordination between the Press Club and the government for its development.

Speaking at the meeting, Jatiya Press Club President Hasan Hafiz introduced the other members of the delegation to the President and conveyed greetings and congratulations to him on behalf of the organisation.

He invited the President to visit the Press Club at a convenient time.

Press Club General Secretary Ayub Bhuiyan recalled his past association with the President and said, “You were like a member of our family at the Press Club. We are proud and delighted that one of our own has assumed the responsibility of President.”

Managing Committee member Kader Gani Chowdhury highlighted past malpractice in journalism and sought the President’s cooperation in promoting responsible journalism.

“For the past 17 years, there were such restrictions and controls on journalists that we had to change the very definition of journalism. But in recent times, we have been able to write freely and speak freely. May this freedom remain intact and continue in future,” he said.

Chowdhury said journalists bring the truth before the government and urged that the path of free journalism continue.

He also sought cooperation from the government and the President for the speedy implementation of the 10th Wage Board for the welfare of journalists and media workers.

Managing Committee member Syed Abdal Ahmed recalled his past association with the President and his contributions to protecting democracy.

The President assured the journalist leaders of his cooperation regarding the expansion of the Press Club’s infrastructure.

The President’s Military Secretary, Secretary, Press Secretary and other senior officials were present at the meeting.