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Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday said a strong, independent and responsible media is indispensable for a vibrant democracy, urging journalists to uphold objectivity, impartiality and professional integrity in their reporting.
Speaking at a felicitation programme for the newly elected committee of the Thakurgaon Press Club at the Anisul Huq Auditorium in Thakurgaon, Fakhrul said journalists should carry out their professional responsibilities without fear or favour and play an active role in ensuring transparency and accountability.
“A democracy becomes stronger when its media is strong. I urge you all to criticise those who do wrong and appreciate those who do good. One of the key responsibilities of journalism is to identify the shortcomings of politicians and help guide them in the right direction,” he said.
The minister said politicians are not above criticism and that constructive scrutiny by the media is essential for strengthening democratic institutions.
“While working to fulfil people’s expectations, politicians may make mistakes. It is the responsibility of the media to highlight those mistakes and ensure accountability,” he said.
Expressing concern over attacks, intimidation and harassment faced by journalists for publishing factual reports, Fakhrul said such incidents weaken democratic values and undermine press freedom.
“The stronger the media of a country, the stronger its democracy. The success of democracy largely depends on an independent and responsible media,” he said.
He urged journalists to evaluate public representatives based on their performance rather than their personal identity or political affiliation.
“Those who perform well deserve appreciation, while irregularities, corruption and abuse of power must be exposed through fearless and objective journalism,” he added.
Referring to the government’s election pledges, Fakhrul said approval had been granted for the creation of two new upazilas in Thakurgaon and the necessary administrative process was already underway.
He, however, said administrative expansion and infrastructure development alone would not ensure progress unless they were accompanied by honest, competent and accountable leadership committed to public welfare.
Congratulating the newly elected committee of the Thakurgaon Press Club, Fakhrul expressed hope that the organisation would continue to promote ethical journalism, strengthen public trust and contribute to the country’s democratic development.
Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Rafiqul Haque, Superintendent of Police Belal Hossain, Thakurgaon district BNP President Mirza Faisal Amin, General Secretary Paygam Ali and journalists from various print and electronic media attended the programme.
