BNP Joint Secretary General and President of Narsingdi District BNP Khairul Kabir Khokon addressed the biennial conference of the Narsingdi District Newspaper Council as the chief guest. Photo: BSS

NARSINGDI, Jan 24, 2026 (BSS) - BNP Joint Secretary General and President of Narsingdi District BNP Khairul Kabir Khokon today said that newspapers are the fourth pillar of the state and play an indispensable role in building an enlightened society.

Khokon, also the BNP-nominated candidate with the sheaf of paddy symbol from Narsingdi Sadar, said journalists contribute significantly to national development by presenting truthful and objective news, shaping public opinion, ensuring government accountability, and raising their voices against irregularities and corruption.

He said the country continues to move forward and people benefit because journalists disseminate information through print and electronic media. "For this reason, the role of newspapers in building an enlightened society is immense," he added.

Khokon made the remarks this afternoon while addressing the biennial conference of the Narsingdi District Newspaper Council as the chief guest.

He further said that journalists played a crucial role in exposing autocracy, which ultimately forced the Sheikh Hasina government to flee the country, allowing people to regain their rightful voting rights.

He urged journalists to continue presenting fair, impartial, and responsible news in the greater interest of the nation.

The conference was presided over by Md Harun-Or-Rashid, President of the Narsingdi Newspaper Council, while General Secretary M A Auwal conducted the programme.

Publishers, editors and journalists of various daily and weekly newspapers published from Narsingdi were also present at the event.