LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said a strong and independent media is indispensable for the strengthening of democracy, urging journalists to maintain objectivity and impartiality in their reporting, report agencies.
He made the remarks while addressing a felicitation programme for the newly elected committee of the Thakurgaon Press Club at the Anisul Huq Auditorium in Thakurgaon Press Club on Friday.
Calling on journalists to uphold truth and professionalism, Fakhrul said the media should clearly distinguish between right and wrong, and play a constructive role in identifying the mistakes of politicians while guiding them towards greater accountability.
"Politicians are not above criticism. Mistakes can occur while working to meet public expectations, and it is the responsibility of the media to expose those mistakes and ensure accountability," he said.
The minister also expressed concern over incidents in which journalists face harassment and attacks for publishing factual reports.
"The stronger the media in a country, the stronger its democracy," he said, adding that the success of democracy largely depends on a free, responsible, and vibrant press.
Referring to the government's election commitments, Fakhrul said two new upazilas have already been approved in Thakurgaon and the process of establishing them has begun.
He stressed that infrastructure development alone would not be enough, saying competent and honest leadership must be developed and all stakeholders should play a responsible role in administering the new upazilas.
Addressing journalists, Fakhrul urged them to evaluate people based on their work rather than individuals' identities.
"They should highlight good work while fearlessly exposing irregularities and corruption wherever they occur," he said.
Congratulating the newly elected committee of the Thakurgaon Press Club, the minister expressed hope that they would further strengthen public confidence through objective journalism and take the press club to new heights.
Among others, Thakurgaon Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Rafiqul Haque, Superintendent of Police Belal Hossain, Md Abdul Latif and Lutfor Rahman Mithu also spoke at the event.
District BNP President Mirza Faisal Amin, General Secretary Poygam Ali, members of the newly elected press club committee and journalists from various print and electronic media outlets in the district were present.
Meanwhile, at another programme, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, also the BNP secretary general, urged educated young people to become self-reliant through innovation and entrepreneurship, citing the success of a local innovator in Thakurgaon.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Soleman Solar Irrigation Pump at Molani Bazar in Raipur Union of Thakurgaon Sadar upazila, Fakhrul praised local innovator Soleman Ali, a former bicycle mechanic, for developing solar-powered irrigation technology that is benefiting farmers in the area.
"Educated youths should try to create opportunities for themselves," he said. "Soleman Ali, despite being an ordinary bicycle mechanic, has been serving people in this region through his innovation. The government will provide greater support to help expand this initiative."
Fakhrul said Soleman had independently developed the technology through years of dedication and was now supplying solar-powered electricity for agriculture, poultry farms and households.
"I was not aware of his work until he recently visited Dhaka, where I learned about his remarkable achievement," he said.
According to Fakhrul, Soleman inherited the bicycle repair profession from his father but gradually developed an interest in technology and realised that solar energy could provide a cost-effective solution for irrigation.
He said Soleman currently operates 28 solar-powered irrigation pumps, supplying water to around 300 acres of farmland while also meeting much of the area's electricity demand through solar panels.
"We, as the government, will try to promote and expand this technology," Fakhrul said.
He also stressed the importance of recognising individuals who contribute to national development through innovation without seeking political recognition.
"People like Soleman Ali work quietly and independently for the country's progress. That is why I repeatedly encourage educated youths to take initiative and do something on their own," he said.
After the programme, Fakhrul visited the Ekota School and Rehabilitation Centre for Persons with Disabilities in the area.
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