Faruk Ahmed former Chairman of Shantiganj Upazila Parishad and member of the Sunamganj District BNP Convening Committee, congratulated the newly elected leadership of the Shantiganj Press Club on Saturday afternoon.
Visiting the club's temporary office at the Muktijoddha Complex, Ahmed exchanged views with local journalists and emphasized their critical role in ensuring state accountability.
"Journalists are the fourth pillar of the state and act as a bridge between the government and the people," Ahmed said. "Objective and responsible journalism, along with positive criticism, is essential for the development of our society."
During the meeting, Ahmed also announced his intention to run in the upcoming Upazila Parishad elections. Reflecting on his previous two terms as chairman, he noted that political limitations under the Awami League administration prevented him from fully executing his duties.
"With my leader Begum Khaleda Zia in jail at the time, the Awami League government deprived me of work," Ahmed stated. "Now, under the leadership of Tarique Rahman and with the support of our honorable MP Koychar Ahmed, I have the opportunity to work freely. I want to focus on developing the upazila’s education, healthcare, communication infrastructure, and employment."
He urged the journalist community to support his public welfare initiatives through constructive criticism and sincere cooperation.
In response, Shantiganj Press Club Advisor Kazi Mohammad Jamirul Islam Momtaz and President Sohel Talukder outlined the club's future plans, pledging to uphold professional standards and publish objective, public-interest news.
Several local BNP and affiliated organization leaders attended the event, including West Pagla Union Convener Awlad Hossain, East Pagla Union leader Jewel Rana, and Swechchhasebak Dal leader Sarwar Khan Lahim.
Also present were prominent press club members, including Senior Vice President MM Ilias Ali, General Secretary Hossain Ahmed, Organizing Secretary Yakub Shahriar, and other executive officers.
