‘Strong media key to a robust democracy’

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday underscored the importance of an independent and responsible media, saying a strong democracy depends on a strong and impartial press.

Speaking at a meeting with the newly elected committee of the Thakurgaon Press Club at the club’s Anisul Huq Auditorium, Mirza Fakhrul urged journalists to maintain objectivity in their reporting and hold public representatives accountable.

“Journalists must call white white and black black. One of the key responsibilities of the media is to point out the mistakes of politicians and guide them in the right direction,” he said.

“The stronger a country’s media, the stronger its democracy. The success of democracy largely depends on a free and responsible press,” he added.

Earlier in the day, Mirza Fakhrul visited the residence of local innovator Soleman Ali in Malani under Thakurgaon Sadar Upazila, where he inspected a solar-powered poultry farm, a solar irrigation pump and a fish farm.

Praising Soleman Ali’s innovations, he said that while political leaders are often engaged in mutual criticism, many individuals continue to make remarkable contributions to society away from the spotlight.

“Soleman Ali has spent many years developing a solar-powered irrigation pump. People like him deserve national recognition and awards. We will consider the matter,” he said.

Mirza Fakhrul also said politicians are not above criticism and acknowledged that mistakes can occur while serving the public.

He said it is the media’s responsibility to expose such shortcomings and ensure accountability, expressing concern over attacks and harassment faced by journalists for publishing truthful reports.

Referring to the government’s election pledges, he said two new upazilas had been approved for Thakurgaon and that the process of establishing them had already begun. He stressed that infrastructure development alone would not be sufficient and called for honest and capable leadership to ensure effective administration of the new upazilas.

He also encouraged young people to follow the example of Soleman Ali by becoming entrepreneurs and innovators for the country’s development.

Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Rafiqul Haque, Superintendent of Police Belal Hossain, Thakurgaon District BNP President Mirza Faisal Amin, General Secretary Paygam Ali, and journalists from various print and electronic media outlets were present at the programme.