Dhaka, Sept. 8 -- President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday described the media as democracy's main strength, saying protecting the media is essential to protecting democracy.

"The media must play a responsible role in upholding the country's independence, sovereignty and good governance while remaining on the right track," he said when a delegation of the Jatiya Press Club (JPC) Management Committee, led by its President Hasan Hafiz and General Secretary Aiyub Bhuiyan, paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban.

Recalling his long-standing relationship with the JPC, the President said, "My relationship with the press club is not merely political; it is a long-standing spiritual bond. You stood by me during my most difficult time...