Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday said a strong and independent media is indispensable for strengthening democracy, urging journalists to remain objective and impartial in their reporting.

He made the remarks while addressing a felicitation programme for the newly elected committee of the Thakurgaon Press Club at the Anisul Huq Auditorium in Thakurgaon Press Club.

Calling on journalists to uphold truth and professionalism, Fakhrul said the media should clearly distinguish right from wrong and play a constructive role by highlighting the mistakes of politicians and guiding them toward accountability.

"Politicians are not above criticism. Mistakes can occur while working to meet public expectations, and it is the responsibility of the media to expose those mistakes and ensure accountability," he said.

The minister also expressed concern over incidents in which journalists face harassment and attacks for publishing factual reports.

"The stronger the media in a country, the stronger its democracy. The success of democracy largely depends on a free, responsible and vibrant press," he added.

Referring to the government's election commitments, Fakhrul said two new upazilas have already been approved in Thakurgaon and the process of establishing them has begun.

He stressed that infrastructure development alone would not be enough, saying competent and honest leadership must be developed and all stakeholders should play a responsible role in administering the new upazilas.

Addressing journalists, Fakhrul urged them to evaluate people based on their work rather than individuals' identities.

"They should highlight good work while fearlessly exposing irregularities and corruption wherever they occur," he said.

Congratulating the newly elected committee of the Thakurgaon Press Club, the minister expressed hope that they would further strengthen public confidence through objective journalism and take the press club to new heights.

Among others, Thakurgaon Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Rafiqul Haque, Superintendent of Police Belal Hossain, Md Abdul Latif and Lutfor Rahman Mithu also spoke at the event.

District BNP President Mirza Faisal Amin, General Secretary Poygam Ali, members of the newly elected press club committee and journalists from various print and electronic media outlets in the district were present.