‘TV journos urged to uphold public trust’
President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday urged television journalists to uphold public trust, work professionally and protect the public interest while contributing to nation-building from their respective positions.
He made the remarks when a delegation of the Broadcast Journalists Center (BJC) paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban in the afternoon.
During the meeting, they discussed the current state of broadcast journalism and the media in Bangladesh, professional development of journalists and the responsible role of the media.
Recalling the media’s role during the long struggle for restoration of democracy, the President sought journalists’ cooperation in institutionalising democracy in the country. He also expressed gratitude to journalists for standing beside the people during difficult periods of the struggle.
Recalling his interactions with journalists, Mirza Fakhrul said, “I have received your companionship, support and love.”
Referring to what he described as repression and persecution of media professionals during the previous period, he said, “I stood by you and I will always stand by you.”
The President said Bangladesh could have progressed like developed countries if political vendetta had been replaced by democratic practices and political and economic stability had been ensured.
He urged all concerned to avoid narrow political interests and make use of what he described as an opportunity to build a new Bangladesh after a prolonged struggle and bloodshed.
On the growth of television channels, Mirza Fakhrul said increasing their number alone would not be enough and stressed the need to maintain quality.
“Their quality must also be maintained,” he said.
He also stressed the need to address problems facing the media through the Media Reform Commission.
The President urged policymakers to examine media-related problems from a broader perspective, with long-term vision and foresight, and take appropriate measures to resolve them.
He emphasised collective efforts to make television channels sustainable through digitalisation and self-reliance.
BJC leaders told the President that their organisation primarily works for the welfare of journalists. It provides training to improve the professional standards of broadcast journalists and offers facilities including healthcare and insurance.
The President assured them of his cooperation in their welfare activities and suggested that they undertake programmes aimed at increasing their income.
The BJC delegation included 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.
The President’s Secretary, Press Secretary and Assistant Military Secretary were also present.
