President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir emphasized on Tuesday that shielding the press is an essential prerequisite for defending democratic governance.

“To safeguard democracy, the media must be protected,” he stated, adding that news outlets must fulfill a responsible duty in upholding national independence, sovereignty, and good governance by adhering to ethical standards.

The head of state conveyed these remarks this afternoon at Bangabhaban during a formal courtesy meeting with a delegation representing the Jatiya Press Club (JPC) Managing Committee.

The visiting JPC delegation included President Hasan Hafiz, General Secretary Md. Ayub Bhuiyan, Managing Committee member and Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Managing Director and Chief Editor Kader Gani Chowdhury, The Daily Jugantor Editor and Managing Committee member Abdul Hye Sikder, Principal Information Officer (PIO) and Managing Committee member Syed Abdal Ahmed, Treasurer Bakhtiar Rana, The Monthly Sargam Editor and Managing Committee member Quazi Rownak Hossain, Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary and Managing Committee member Jahidul Islam Rony, alongside committee members Shahnaz Begum, Masumur Rahman Khalili, A. K. M. Mohsin, and Mohammad Momin Hossain.

Reflecting on his deep historical ties with the institution, the President remarked, “My relationship with the press club is not merely political, it is a long-standing spiritual relationship…You stood by me during my most difficult times, which is a great achievement for me.”

Advocating for administrative steps to reactivate shuttered media houses, he noted, “If the closed newspapers, including those under special trusts, can be reopened, it will create employment opportunities for at least 1,000 journalists.”

Addressing the necessity of solidarity within the media fraternity, the President asserted, “Unity among the journalist community is extremely important and division will never bring success. If you can unite on fundamental issues, you will be able to build effective relations with both the government and the opposition.”

He urged reporters to mount unified defenses against workplace irregularities and safeguard their professional rights.

The President further appealed to media practitioners to actively shape the mindset of the younger generation toward establishing a robust democratic framework.

“Democracy is a culture. It has to be turned into an institution and a positive change in mindset is necessary for that change. We have to come out of old authoritarian thinking and embrace democratic values,” he observed.

He emphasized that fostering a democratic lexicon and mentality among youth remains vital.

Calling for balanced media reporting, the President encouraged journalists to appropriately highlight state achievements across mainstream and social platforms alongside offering fair, constructive critiques of executive performance.

In this context, he observed, “The elected government of the people must be given time to work.”

He additionally underscored the importance of contextualizing the ongoing national energy crunch as a byproduct of international pressures, including conflicts in the Middle East.

Acknowledging the rich legacy of the press club, the President paid tribute to the foundational contributions made by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia toward the institution's growth.

He affirmed the need for close institutional coordination with the government to advance the infrastructure and capabilities of the Jatiya Press Club.

During the interaction, JPC President Hasan Hafiz formally introduced fellow committee members and conveyed warm congratulations to the President on behalf of the organization, extending an invitation for him to visit the Press Club whenever convenient.

JPC General Secretary Ayub Bhuiyan shared nostalgic reflections, stating, “You were like a member of our family at the press club. We are proud and delighted that one of our own has assumed the responsibility of President.”

Committee member Kader Gani Chowdhury drew attention to past suppression within the industry and solicited presidential backing to sustain independent journalism.

“For the past 17 years, there were such restrictions and controls on journalists that we had to change the very definition of journalism. But in recent times, we have been able to write freely and speak freely. May this freedom remain intact and continue in future,” he stated.

Kader Gani Chowdhury added, “Journalists bring the truth before you. If you want to know the truth, you have to come to journalists. May this path continue and may this freedom remain intact.”

He further petitioned the government and the President to facilitate the prompt enactment of the 10th Wage Board to secure the economic welfare of media professionals.

Member Syed Abdal Ahmed recalled historical associations with the President, acknowledging his personal sacrifices and steadfast defense of democracy.

In response to appeals from the delegation for assistance with physical expansion projects at the club premises, the President assured them of his full support.

The meeting was attended by senior civil and military officials, including the President's Military Secretary, Secretary and Press Secretary.