President Mirza Fakhrul Islam has described the media as a key pillar of democracy, saying a democratic media that works to strengthen democratic institutions can deliver the greatest benefits to the public.
He made the remarks on Monday afternoon during a meeting with members of the executive committee of the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU).
The president said the media had significant scope to play a positive role in a democratic system and stressed the importance of journalism in advancing democratic practices.
He also called on media professionals and their organisations to unite in protecting their professional interests, emphasising the need for journalists to become economically and professionally self-reliant.
Highlighting persistent challenges facing journalists, Mirza Fakhrul urged professional organisations to work together more effectively to address key concerns, including unfair job dismissals, implementation of the Wage Board recommendations and ensuring justice for violence against journalists.
He stressed that collective efforts by journalists’ organisations were essential to safeguarding the rights and interests of media workers.