President Abdul Hamid yesterday urged mass media to play a more active role to continue country's democracy, constitutional trend and national development through objective journalism.

He said freedom of press, access to the information and people's empowerment are interrelated. Independent and free mass-media can integrate the democracy and also play an important role in establishing human rights and rule of law in the country, he added.

President Abdul Hamid was addressing Bangladesh Press Council's Award Giving Ceremony held at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital.

He said newspapers and journalists need to present objective news and opinions to help readers proceed towards the path of truth and welfare.

About rapid expansion of media houses, including private television channels, FM Radio, online radio, online television and community radio, during present government's rule, the president put emphasis on the role of responsible newsmen to reach the good results of these at mass people's doorstep.

He said untrue, provocative or yellow journalism can never be the friends of people as well as democracy.

President Abdul Hamid hoped that Bangladesh Press Council, which has prepared guidelines and code of conduct for journalists, especially for journalists working in newspapers, has helped in preventing yellow journalism in the country.

"I hope Bangladesh Press Council will play a more effective role in protecting the freedom of the press."

Five journalists and an organisation were given "Bangladesh Press Council Award-2018" in six categories for their outstanding roles in journalism.

President handed over the award. Each awardee was given Tk 50,000, a crest and a certificate.

Information Minister Hasanul Haque Inu, State Minister for Information Tarana Halim, Bangladesh Press Council Chairman Justice Mohammad Momtaj Uddin Ahmed, chairman of parliamentary standing committee on the Information MinistryA.K.M. Rahmatullah, MP, acting Information Secretary Md Nasir Uddin Ahmed, Chairman of Jury board and Samakal Editor Golam Sarwar and Press Council member and journalist leader Manzurul Ahsan Bulbul spoke at the programme.