President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday urged television journalists to uphold high standards of professionalism and earn public trust while carrying out their duties.

The President made the call when a delegation representing the Broadcast Journalists Center (BJC) paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban this afternoon, according to President's Press Secretary Md. Sarwar Alam.

During the meeting, the President called upon citizens across all spheres to contribute to nation-building and the protection of the public interest from their respective positions.

Recalling the nation's extended democratic struggle, President Mirza Fakhrul noted that media representatives played a pivotal and active role throughout the long fight for democratic transition and restoration.

He sought the continued cooperation of journalists in institutionalizing democratic practices across the country.

He gratefully acknowledged the steadfast support of journalists during difficult periods of the democratic movement, stating, “I have received your companionship, support, and love.”

Reflecting on the persecution endured by media professionals under the former fascist regime, the President reaffirmed his resolute commitment to standing by journalists. Looking back at missed historical opportunities, he remarked, "If democratic practices, instead of political vengeance, and political and economic stability could have been ensured in the country, we too could have risen like developed countries.”

The President urged all stakeholders to rise above narrow political motives to capitalize on the opportunity to build a new Bangladesh following years of sacrifice and bloodshed.

"Increasing the number of television channels alone would not be enough but broadcasting must be carried out while maintaining qualitative standards," he emphasized.

Concurrently, President Mirza Fakhrul stressed the necessity of establishing a Media Reform Commission to address the systemic challenges facing the press.

He called upon policymakers to evaluate and resolve existing media issues using a broader, long-term, and visionary framework.

He also underscored the importance of collective efforts to help television networks remain viable against emerging challenges through self-reliant digitalization and effective monetization strategies.

During the interaction, BJC leaders explained that as a trustee organization, the BJC focuses primarily on the welfare of journalists, offering training programs to preserve professional standards in broadcast journalism alongside healthcare assistance, insurance, and other benefits.

The President assured the delegation of his support for their welfare initiatives while advising the organization to design programs aimed at expanding its revenue streams.

The visiting 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 at the meeting.