President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today said media is a pillar of the democratic system and when it acts to promote democracy, the people gain the outmost advantage. 

"Media has the greatest opportunity to play a positive role in a democratic system. When the media is democratic and works to advance the democratic system, it benefits the people the most," he said.

The President came up with the comments when members of the executive committee of Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU), led by its President Abu Saleh Akon and General Secretary Mynul Hasan Sohel, paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban this afternoon, said President’s Press Secretary Md. Sarwar Alam.

The President urged the organisation to play key role in ensuring the rights and welfare of media workers. 

"All workers and organisations must unite and raise their voices to protect their professional interests," he said.

He also called on professional organisations to unite and play a more effective role in resolving key issues, including the illegal dismissal of media workers, implementation of the wage board and ensuring justice for violence against journalists.

During the meeting, the DRU delegation briefed the President on the organisation and various welfare activities conducted by the DRU for its members and sought the President’s cooperation in smoothly conducting the organisation’s activities. 

The delegation also invited the President to attend the ‘Best Reporting Award’ ceremony organised by the Dhaka Reporters Unity as the chief guest.

The President recalled his past events at DRU and expressed the gratitude to journalists for their courageous role.

He assured them of his support for the development of the DRU and expressed optimism about attending the Reporters Unity’s award-giving ceremony.

The President’s Military Secretary, Press Secretary and senior officials were present at the meeting.