Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday called on journalists to uphold objectivity and impartiality in reporting, emphasizing that a strong and independent media is absolutely essential for a vibrant democracy.

Speaking as the chief guest at a felicitation programme for the newly-elected committee of the Thakurgaon Press Club, held at the club's Anisul Huq Auditorium this afternoon, the minister strongly advocated for press freedom and urged journalists to perform their professional duties without fear or favour.

During his address, the LGRD minister underscored the critical relationship between media independence and democratic governance.

"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.

Expanding on this point, he noted that politicians are by no means above criticism and that constructive scrutiny by the media plays a vital role in ensuring public 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 added.

The minister also expressed deep concern over the ongoing threats faced by media professionals, explicitly pointing out that the frequent attacks and harassment faced by journalists for publishing factual reports ultimately undermine core democratic values and freedom of the press.

Reaffirming his stance, he stated, "Stronger the media of a country, the stronger its democracy. The success of democracy largely depends on an independent and responsible media."

Moving forward, he urged the press corps to judge people strictly by their work rather than their personalities, advising that those who perform well deserve appreciation while irregularities and corruption must be relentlessly exposed through fearless reporting.

Shifting focus to local development and the government's post-election commitments, Mirza Fakhrul announced that official approval has already been granted for the establishment of two new upazilas in Thakurgaon, with the necessary administrative processes currently underway.

However, he stressed that infrastructural growth must be paired with political integrity, arguing that physical development alone would not be sufficient without competent, honest, and responsible leadership to ensure good governance.

Concluding his speech, he congratulated the newly-elected Thakurgaon Press Club committee, expressing his firm hope that its members would actively strengthen public confidence through objective journalism and take the historical organization to new heights.

The high-profile event was attended by Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Rafiqul Haque, Superintendent of Police Belal Hossain, Thakurgaon district BNP President Mirza Faisal Amin, General Secretary Paygam Ali, and numerous journalists representing various print and electronic media outlets.