President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called on journalists and media professionals to remain united, setting aside all divisions, to protect their professional interests and rights.

He made the call on Sunday (October 11) when a 44-member delegation of the Thakurgaon Journalists Forum, Dhaka, led by its President Manik Muntasir and General Secretary Delwar Hossain, paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban.

The President said it would be difficult to create an environment for independent, impartial and responsible journalism without ensuring job security, a fair salary structure and other benefits for media professionals. Describing the failure to ensure journalists’ welfare and legitimate rights as unfortunate for society, he stressed the importance of working together to safeguard their professional interests.

Highlighting the vital role of journalists in serving the state and society, the President said they must be fearless and responsible in reporting the truth and bring irregularities, corruption and injustice to public attention. He also noted that mainstream media and professional journalists could play an important role in combating yellow journalism, misinformation and propaganda on social media.

During the meeting with journalists from Thakurgaon working in Dhaka, the President spoke of his deep affection for his home district.
“I want to remain connected to the roots from which I came and where I grew up,” he said.

Expressing his determination to keep Thakurgaon free from communalism and drugs, he sought journalists’ active cooperation in achieving these goals.

The President congratulated members of the forum for holding important positions in various national media outlets. He also thanked them for their positive contributions to the development of the country and Thakurgaon, as well as for standing alongside the people in their struggle to establish their rights.

He urged the journalists to remain vigilant about development initiatives undertaken in the district and highlight its achievements and successes at the national level while carrying out their professional responsibilities.

During the meeting, the forum’s leaders congratulated the President on assuming office and briefed him on various professional challenges and problems faced by journalists. They sought government support to establish journalists’ legitimate rights and ensure necessary training.
They also drew the President’s attention to the need for a permanent office for the organisation and emergency medical treatment for serio

usly ill members.

The President assured them of necessary cooperation and wished the organisation continued success and the overall well-being of its members.
The President’s Military Secretary, Secretary, Press Secretary and other senior officials of Bangabhaban were present at the meeting.