He made these remarks during a courtesy meeting with members of the managing committee of the National Press Club, led by its President Hasan Hafiz and General Secretary Ayyub Bhuiyan, at Bangabhaban on Tuesday noon.

The President said democracy is not just a political system, it is a culture. To establish democratic values, one must come out of the old authoritarian mentality and bring about positive change. Even if change comes through movements, a true democratic environment cannot be created unless mindsets change.

Calling for giving the people's elected government time to work, he urged the media to properly highlight the global situation and the fuel crisis caused by the war in the Middle East.

The President emphasised reopening closed newspapers to resolve the employment crisis of journalists. He noted that if newspapers under trust, in particular, could be relaunched, employment opportunities could be created for at least one thousand journalists.

Emphasising unity among the journalist community, the President said division can never bring success. If journalists remain united on fundamental issues, effective relations can be established with the government and the opposition.

He urged ensuring the security of journalists and taking united and effective measures against irregularities and mass sacking of journalists. He commented that just as the government's mistakes must be objectively highlighted, its good work must also be presented before the people.

Recalling his long association with the National Press Club, the President said his relationship with the Press Club is not only political but spiritual. He also recalled that journalists of the Press Club stood by him during his time of crisis.

During the meeting, Press Club leaders sought cooperation in implementing the 10th Wage Board for the welfare of journalists and in expanding the infrastructure of the Press Club. The President assured them of cooperation in this regard.

At that time, National Press Club Treasurer Bakhtiar Rana, Kazi Rownak Hossain, Syed Abdal Ahmed, Kader Gani Chowdhury, Shahana Begum Poly, Mohammad Momin Hossain, Abdul Hai Sikder, Masumur Rahman Khalili, A K M Mohsin and Zahidul Islam Roni, along with other members of the managing committee, were present.