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President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has described the media as a key pillar of democracy, saying it has the greatest opportunity to play a positive role in a democratic system.
“If the media is democratic and works to advance the democratic system, it can serve the people best,” he said.
The president made the remarks on Monday afternoon during a meeting with members of the executive committee of the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU), a professional journalists’ organisation, at Bangabhaban. The delegation was led by DRU President Abu Saleh Akon and General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel.
Emphasising the organisation’s role in ensuring the rights and welfare of media workers, Mirza Fakhrul said journalists and their organisations must unite and raise their voices to protect their professional interests.
He also stressed the importance of journalists becoming self-reliant and urged professional organisations to work together more effectively to address key concerns, including unfair dismissals, implementation of the wage board and ensuring justice for violence against journalists.
During the meeting, DRU General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel briefed the president on the organisation’s background and various welfare initiatives undertaken for its members.
The president recalled his participation in various programmes at the DRU during the long struggle for the establishment of democracy and expressed his gratitude to journalists for their courageous role.
He also assured DRU members of his support for the organisation’s development.
Speaking on behalf of the executive committee, Sohel said the DRU regularly organises training sessions, workshops and other development programmes to improve journalists’ professional skills and standards.
He added that the organisation remained committed to protecting journalists’ professional rights, dignity and interests.
“The DRU hopes that an environment conducive to objective, independent and responsible journalism will prevail in the country,” Sohel said.
He added that the organisation would continue working to ensure that journalism earns public trust through truthful and impartial reporting.
