President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday called on journalists and media workers to remain united to protect their professional interests and rights.

He made the call when a 44-member delegation of Thakurgaon Journalists Forum, Dhaka, led by its president Manik Muntasir and general secretary Delwar Hossain, met him at Bangabhaban.

The president said it would be difficult to create an environment for independent, impartial and responsible journalism unless media workers’ job security, fair salary structures and other benefits were ensured.

Describing the failure to ensure journalists’ welfare and legitimate rights as unfortunate for society, he stressed the need for media professionals to set aside their differences and work together to protect their professional interests.

Journalists play a vital role in serving the state and society, he said, urging them to remain fearless and responsible in reporting the truth and exposing irregularities, corruption and injustice.

He also highlighted the important role of mainstream media and professional journalists in combating unethical journalism, misinformation and disinformation on social media.

During the exchange of views with journalists from Thakurgaon working in Dhaka, the president expressed his deep affection for his home district.

“I want to remain connected to the roots from which I came and where I grew up,” he said.

Expressing his determination to keep Thakurgaon free from communalism and drugs, he sought journalists’ active cooperation in achieving the goal.

The president congratulated the forum’s members for holding important positions and discharging their responsibilities in various national media outlets. 

He also thanked them for their positive contributions to the development of the country and Thakurgaon, as well as for standing beside the people in their struggle to establish their rights.

He urged the journalists to remain vigilant about development initiatives undertaken in the district alongside their professional duties and to highlight Thakurgaon’s achievements and successes at the national level.

The forum’s leaders congratulated the president on assuming office and apprised him of various professional problems and challenges faced by journalists.

They sought government support to establish journalists’ legitimate rights and ensure necessary professional training.

They also drew the president’s attention to the need for a permanent office for the organisation and emergency medical treatment for its critically ill members.

The president assured them of necessary cooperation and wished the organisation continued success and the overall well-being of its members.

The president’s military secretary, secretary, press secretary and other senior Bangabhaban officials were present at the meeting.