Media professionals from across the country gathered in the capital on Saturday as the Media Conference 2026 was inaugurated, reaffirming their collective stance in defense of freedom of expression, democratic values, and independent journalism. The conference began in the morning at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Dhaka. He emphasized the need for unity among media professionals to uphold courageous, responsible, and independent journalism in the face of mounting challenges. Against this backdrop, the conference aims to provide a unified platform for journalists, editors, and media owners to speak out against such threats and to demand safeguards for press freedom. Participants raised issues related to ensuring journalists’ safety, protecting professional dignity and rights, and preserving a democratic media environment.