President urges journalists to foster non-discriminatory, democratic Bangladesh

President Mohammed Shahabuddin has called on journalists to contribute to building a non-discriminatory and democratic Bangladesh by embodying the spirit of the Liberation War and the hopes of the July-August mass uprising.

The president made this appeal during a meeting with the newly elected executive committee members of the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) at Bangabhaban on Sunday (19 January).

The delegation was led by DRU President Abu Saleh Akon and General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel.

During the meeting, the DRU members discussed their activities and sought government support for various programmes aimed at the welfare of journalists.

Recalling the vital contributions of journalists in the Liberation War, democratic movements, and the July-August mass uprising, President Shahabuddin emphasised the media's role as the fourth estate and the mirror of society.

He underlined the importance of the journalist community in establishing justice, fairness, and equality in society while protecting the human dignity of citizens.

The president urged DRU members to carry out their duties with professionalism, constructively criticising the government when necessary to promote transparency and accountability in state governance.

Shahabuddin also stressed the media's role in countering the spread of rumours, misinformation and distorted information, and in raising public awareness on these issues.

President's Military Secretary Major General Mohammad Adil Chowdhury and Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam were also present.