Media must also be saved to save democracy: President

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said the main strength of democracy is the media. To save democracy, the media must also be saved. For the country’s independence, sovereignty and good governance, the media must play a responsible role while staying on the right path.

The President said this when a 12-member delegation of the Managing Committee of the National Press Club paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban on Tuesday afternoon (September 8).

Mentioning his long association with the National Press Club, the President said his relationship with the Press Club is not only political but a long-standing spiritual relationship. Journalists stood by him during his most difficult times, which is a great achievement for him.

Assuring overall cooperation for the welfare of journalists, the President said he would try to do whatever is possible for journalists from his position.

He emphasised taking initiative to reopen closed newspapers including Dainik Bangla. Calling for unity among journalists, the President said unity among the journalist community is extremely necessary. Division can never bring success. If unity can be achieved on basic issues, effective relations can also be built with the government and the opposition.

The President called for ensuring journalists’ own security and taking effective measures against irregularities and mass retrenchment of journalists. He also emphasised reopening closed newspapers to resolve the employment crisis of journalists.

The President said if closed newspapers and those under special trusts can be reopened, employment opportunities will be created for at least one thousand journalists. He called on the concerned to take effective steps in this regard.

The President called on journalists to play a role in changing the thoughts and mindset of the young generation to firmly establish democracy in the country. He said democracy is a culture. To turn it into an institution, positive changes must be brought in people’s minds and mentality. It is necessary to come out of old authoritarian thinking and embrace democratic values.

He called for highlighting the good works of the government properly in the media and social media alongside making rational and constructive criticism of the government. The President also said the people-elected government should be given time to work. At the same time, he emphasised properly highlighting the fuel crisis created due to the Middle East war and the global situation.

Recalling the tradition of the National Press Club, the President mentioned the contributions of martyred President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia to the development of the institution. He also emphasised effective coordination with the government for the development of the National Press Club as the nerve centre of the media.

At the meeting, National Press Club President Hasan Hafiz introduced the members of the delegation to the President and greeted and congratulated him on behalf of the organisation. He invited the President to visit the Press Club at a convenient time.

Press Club General Secretary Ayub Bhuiyan recalled his past relationship with the President and said he was like a family member to them at the Press Club. They are proud and happy that a member of the Press Club has taken charge as President.

Member Kader Gani Chowdhury raised the issue of yellow journalism in the past and sought the President’s cooperation to continue the trend of responsible journalism.

Member Syed Abdal Ahmad mentioned the obstacles and controls that existed on journalists in the past and said freedom of journalism was extensively hindered for the last 17 years. However, journalists can now write and speak freely in recent times. He sought the President’s cooperation so that this freedom remains intact.

He also sought the cooperation of the government and the President for the quick implementation of the 10th Wage Board for the welfare of the media and journalists. When cooperation was sought for the expansion of the Press Club’s infrastructure, the President gave assurance on this matter.

During the meeting, National Press Club President Hasan Hafiz, General Secretary Ayub Bhuiyan, members Kader Gani Chowdhury, Abdul Hai Shikdar, Syed Abdal Ahmad, Kazi Rownak Hossain, Zahidul Islam Rony, Shahnaz Begum Polly, Masumur Rahman Khalili, AKM Mohsin and Mohammad Momin Hossain were present. Besides, the President’s Military Secretary, Secretary, Press Secretary and other senior officials were present.