Strong media indispensable for vibrant democracy: Mirza Fakhrul
He says politicians are not above criticism and that constructive scrutiny by the media plays a vital role in ensuring accountability.
Highlights:
- Urges journalists to report objectively without fear or favour.
- Calls on media to expose corruption and hold politicians accountable.
- Says attacks on journalists undermine democracy and press freedom.
- Approves two new upazilas in Thakurgaon; administrative process underway.
- Asks media to judge people by performance, not personalities.
Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today (3 July) called on journalists to uphold objectivity and impartiality in reporting, saying a strong and independent media is essential for a vibrant democracy.
Addressing a felicitation programme for the newly-elected committee of the Thakurgaon Press Club at the Anisul Huq Auditorium of the club this afternoon, he said journalists should perform their professional duties without fear or favour.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
"A democracy becomes stronger when its media is strong. I urge you all to criticise those who do wrong and appreciate those who do good. One of the key responsibilities of journalism is to identify the shortcomings of politicians and help guide them in the right direction," he said.
The minister said politicians are not above criticism and that constructive scrutiny by the media plays a vital role in ensuring accountability.
"While working to fulfil people's expectations, politicians may make mistakes. It is the responsibility of the media to highlight those mistakes and ensure accountability," he said.
Expressing concern over attacks and harassment faced by journalists for publishing factual reports, Mirza Fakhrul said such incidents undermine democratic values and freedom of the press.
"Stronger the media of a country, the stronger its democracy. The success of democracy largely depends on an independent and responsible media," he added.
Referring to the government's election commitments, the minister said approval had been given for the establishment of two new upazilas in Thakurgaon and the necessary administrative process had already begun.
He, however, stressed that infrastructure development alone would not be sufficient, saying the country also needs competent, honest and responsible leadership to ensure good governance.
Addressing journalists, Mirza Fakhrul urged them to judge people by their work rather than personalities. "Those who perform well deserve appreciation while irregularities and corruption must be exposed through fearless reporting," he said.
Congratulating the newly-elected committee of the Thakurgaon Press Club, he expressed the hope that its members would strengthen public confidence through objective journalism and take the organisation to new heights.
