Democracy only strengthens with a stronger media, says Mirza Fakhrul

Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said sustainable democracy cannot take root without an “independent, responsible and robust media”.

He said a strong media begets a strong democracy, and building an effective democratic environment is not the government's job alone.

Media owners, journalists and state institutions must all shoulder that responsibility together, he said at a seminar hosted by Television Editors Council at Holiday Inn in Dhaka on Friday.

Democracy, Fakhrul argued, is not merely “an election-dependent system, but a culture”.

The veteran leader pressed for tolerance, respect for dissent and deeper democratic practice, warning that democracy cannot rest on firm ground unless Bangladesh’s institutions are fortified.

Urging journalists to hold fast to truthful, objective reporting, the minister said: "Publishing the truth is the media's foremost duty. Self-censorship has no place here."

He also flagged the need to safeguard journalists' professional security, secure them fair pay, and guarantee an environment where they can work free of interference.

Sustaining democracy, Fakhrul said, hinges on nurturing a democratic culture. 

"Deepen freedom of expression, tolerance and accountability, and the media can play a far more decisive role. Truthful, objective reporting will earn the public's trust and fortify democracy in turn," he said.