Dhaka:President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged journalists and media workers to unite in order to safeguard their professional interests and rights.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the President made this appeal during a meeting with a 44-member delegation from the Thakurgaon Journalists Forum, Dhaka, led by its President Manik Muntasir and General Secretary Delwar Hossain, at Bangabhaban. President's Press Secretary Md. Sarwar Alam provided the details.
The President emphasized the importance of job security, a fair pay structure, and other facilities for media workers to foster an environment conducive to independent and responsible journalism. He called for media workers to set aside divisions to protect their professional interests and highlighted the significant role journalists play in state and societal welfare.
He stressed that journalists need to be fearless and responsible in reporting truth, exposing irregularities, corruption, and injustice. Mirza Fakhrul Islam also mentioned the potential role of mainstream media and professional journalists in curbing yellow journalism and misinformation on social media.
Expressing affection for his hometown, Thakurgaon, the President expressed his desire to stay connected to his roots and urged journalists to help keep the area free from communal clashes and drugs.
He congratulated the forum members for their roles in national media and for their positive contributions to the country's development, particularly in Thakurgaon. He encouraged them to monitor and report on the district's development activities and successes at a national level.
The forum members congratulated the President on his new role and discussed professional challenges, seeking government support for journalists' rights and training, as well as a permanent office and medical treatment for members in need. The President assured them of his cooperation and wished the organization prosperity.
The meeting saw participation from Dhaka Stream CEO Sohel Rana, BSS Chief News Editor Md. Manikul Azad, and several other prominent journalists representing various national media outlets. Senior officials from Bangabhaban, including the President's Military Secretary, Secretary, and Press Secretary, were also present.