A delegation of the Managing Committee of Jatiya Press Club (JPC) paid a courtesy call on President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at Bangabhaban. Photo : Bangabhaban

DHAKA, Sept 8, 2026 (BSS) - President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today underscored the need for safeguarding media aimed at protecting democracy.

“To safeguard democracy, the media must be protected,” he said adding that the media must play a responsible role for protecting the country’s independence, sovereignty and ensuring good governance remaining on the right path.

The President made the remarks when a delegation of the Managing Committee of Jatiya Press Club (JPC) paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban this afternoon.

The JPC delegation is comprised of its President Hasan Hafiz, General Secretary Md. Ayub Bhuiyan, Managing Committee member and Managing Director and Chief Editor of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Kader Gani Chowdhury, Managing Committee member and Editor of The Daily Jugantor Abdul Hye Sikder, Managing Committee member and Principal Information Officer (PIO) Syed Abdal Ahmed, JPC treasurer Bakhtiar Rana, Managing Committee member and the Monthly Sargam Editor Quazi Rownak Hossain, Managing Committee member and Deputy Press Secretary to Prime Minister Jahidul Islam Rony, Managing Committee members- Shahnaz Begum, Masumur Rahman Khalili, A. K. M. Mohsin and Mohammad Momin Hossain.

Referring to his close ties with the press club, the President said, “My relationship with the press club is not merely political, it is a long-standing spiritual relationship…You stood by me during my most difficult times, which is a great achievement for me.”

Stressing the need for taking initiatives to reopen closed newspapers, he said, “If the closed newspapers, including those under special trusts, can be reopened, it will create employment opportunities for at least 1,000 journalists.” 

About unity among journalists, the President said, “Unity among the journalist community is extremely important and division will never bring success. If you can unite on fundamental issues, you will be able to build effective relations with both the government and the opposition.”

He called for taking effective measures collectively in protecting rights and standing firm against irregularities against journalists.

The President called upon journalists to work to change the mindset of the younger generation in order to establish democracy.

“Democracy is a culture. It has to be turned into an institution and a positive change in mindset is necessary for that change. We have to come out of old authoritarian thinking and embrace democratic values,” he said.

He added that it is also important to develop democratic language and mentality among the new generation.
 

The President called upon the journalists to appropriately highlight the government’s good work in mainstream media and social media alongside reasonable and constructive criticism of the government.

In this connection, he said, “The elected government of the people must be given time to work.” 

He stressed the need to properly highlight the energy crisis caused by global factors, including the war in the Middle East.

Recalling the long-standing tradition of the press club, the President remembered the contributions of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia for the development of the institution.

He stressed effective coordination with the government for the development of the Jatiya Press Club.

Speaking on the occasion, the Jatiya Press Club President Hasan Hafiz introduced the other members of the club to the President and conveyed greetings and congratulations to him on behalf of the organization.

He invited the President to visit the Press Club at a convenient time.

Press Club General Secretary Ayub Bhuiyan recalled memories of the past and said, “You were like a member of our family at the press club. We are proud and delighted that one of our own has assumed the responsibility of President.”

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

“For the past 17 years, there were such restrictions and controls on journalists that we had to change the very definition of journalism. But in recent times, we have been able to write freely and speak freely. May this freedom remain intact and continue in future,” he said.

Chowdhury said, “Journalists bring the truth before you. If you want to know the truth, you have to come to journalists. May this path continue and may this freedom remain intact.”

He also sought cooperation from the government and the President for the speedy implementation of the 10th Wage Board for the welfare of the media and journalists.

Member Syed Abdal Ahmed recalled past memories with the President and remembered the President’s sacrifices and contributions to protecting democracy.

The President assured them of his cooperation when the journalist leaders sought the President’s cooperation for expanding the infrastructure of the press club.

The President’s Military Secretary, Secretary and Press Secretary, among other senior officials, were present during the meeting.