President Calls for Unity Among Journalists to Protect Professional Rights

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called on journalists and media workers to remain united in protecting their professional interests, rights and welfare.

He made the call on Sunday, October 11, during a courtesy meeting with a 44-member delegation of Thakurgaon Journalists Forum, Dhaka, at Bangabhaban. The delegation was led by the organisation’s president, Manik Muntasir, and general secretary, Delwar Hossain.

The president said it would be difficult to establish an environment for independent, impartial and responsible journalism without ensuring job security, fair salary structures and other benefits for media workers. Describing the failure to ensure journalists’ welfare and legitimate rights as unfortunate for society, he stressed the importance of overcoming divisions and working together to protect professional interests.

He said journalists play a vital role in the welfare of the state and society. Journalists must be fearless and responsible in reporting the truth and bringing irregularities, corruption and injustice to public attention, he added.

The president also highlighted the role of mainstream media and professional journalists in countering unethical journalism, misinformation and propaganda on social media.

During the exchange with journalists from Thakurgaon working in Dhaka, he expressed his affection for his home district. “I want to remain connected to the roots from which I came and where I grew up,” he said. He sought journalists’ active cooperation in keeping Thakurgaon free from communalism and drugs.

Congratulating members of the forum for holding important positions in national media outlets, the president urged them to contribute positively to the development of the country and Thakurgaon. He also called on them to remain attentive to local development initiatives and highlight the district’s achievements at the national level.

During the meeting, the forum’s leaders congratulated the president on assuming office and briefed him on various professional challenges faced by journalists. They sought government support to establish journalists’ legitimate rights and provide necessary training. They also requested assistance in securing a permanent office for the organisation and arranging urgent medical care for seriously ill members.

The president assured them of necessary cooperation and wished the organisation continued progress and the well-being of its members.

The president’s military secretary, secretary, press secretary and other senior Bangabhaban officials were present at the meeting.