LGRD Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday urged journalists to uphold objective, impartial and fearless journalism, saying a strong and independent media is the foundation of a healthy democracy.
He made the call while addressing a greeting and views-exchange programme with the newly elected executive committee of the Thakurgaon Press Club at the Anisul Haque Auditorium on Friday afternoon.
The minister urged journalists to report the truth without fear, saying those who perform good work deserve recognition, while those involved in wrongdoing should be openly criticised.
“The strength of journalism lies in having the courage to call white white and black black,” he said, adding that one of the media's foremost responsibilities is to identify the mistakes of politicians and guide them towards the right path.
Mirza Fakhrul said politicians are not above criticism and may make mistakes while trying to fulfil public expectations. It is the media's responsibility to expose those mistakes, ensure accountability and present the truth in the public interest, he added.
Expressing concern over attacks and harassment faced by journalists for publishing truthful reports, he described the situation as worrying.
He said the success of democracy largely depends on an independent, responsible and strong media, stressing the need to ensure an environment where journalists can work freely and professionally.
Referring to the government's election commitments, Mirza Fakhrul said two new upazilas have already been approved in Thakurgaon and work on their establishment has begun. Alongside infrastructure development, he said, the country also needs efficient, honest and responsible leadership.
He further said people should be judged by their work rather than their identity, encouraging journalists to recognise positive contributions while fearlessly reporting corruption, irregularities and activities that go against the public interest.
At the end of the programme, the minister congratulated the newly elected committee of the Thakurgaon Press Club and expressed hope that it would strengthen public confidence through objective and professional journalism.
Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Rafiqul Haque, Superintendent of Police Belal Hossain, District BNP President Mirza Faisal Amin, General Secretary Poygam Ali, and journalists from different print and electronic media organisations attended the programme.
