President urges journalists to perform duties with public trust, professionalism

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today(1 October) urged television journalists to perform their duties while maintaining professionalism and gaining public trust.

The president made the call when a delegation of the Broadcast Journalists Center (BJC) paid a courtesy call on him at the Bangabhaban this afternoon, President's Press Secretary Md. Sarwar Alam told BSS.

At the time, the President called upon all to work from their respective positions for nation-building and safeguarding public interest.

Recalling the long democratic struggle, he said representatives of the media had played an active role in the long struggle for democratic transition and restoration.

He sought journalists' cooperation in institutionalising democracy in the country.

He gratefully recalled journalists' support during difficult times in the struggle for restoration of democracy, saying, "I have received your companionship, support, and love."

He also referred to the oppression and persecution of media workers during the fascist regime and expressed his firm resolve to stand by them.

Recalling the past, the President said, "If democratic practices, instead of political vengeance, and political and economic stability could have been ensured in the country, we too could have risen like developed countries."

The president urged all to shun narrow and political interests in realizing the opportunity that has emerged to build a new Bangladesh after a long struggle and bloodshed.

"Increasing the number of television channels alone would not be enough but broadcasting must be carried out while maintaining qualitative standards," he said.

At the same time, he stressed the need to form a Media Reform Commission and resolve the problems facing the media and called upon policymakers to consider and resolve existing problems with a broader, long-term and visionary approach in this regard.

He also emphasised working collectively so that television channels can sustain in the face of various challenges through self-reliant digitalisation, and monetization.

The BJC leaders said as a trustee organisation, BJC mainly works for the welfare of journalists and provides training to maintain the professional quality of broadcast journalists and offers various facilities, including health assistance and insurance.

The president assured them of cooperation in their welfare activities and advised them to undertake programmes to increase their income.

Fahim Ahmed, Ilias Hossain, Talat Mamun, Mahmud Hasan, Shariful Islam Khan, Shah Azizur Rahman Kiran, Zamanul Ferdous Manu, Belayet Hossain, Naila Parvin Pia and Saiful Shakil were present among BJC delegation. 

The president's Secretary, press Secretary and Assistant Military Secretary were present at the meeting.