A democratic, independent and sovereign state is ‘unthinkable’ without the presence of media, said Chief Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain yesterday.

Democracy and media must go hand in hand in a sovereign state, and for this reason, journalism is treated as the fourth pillar of the state, he said.

He was speaking as chief guest at a launching of a book titled “Aine Tarunyo” (Youth in law), written by Mahidi Hasan Dalim, a journalist and member of the Law Reporters Form (LRF), at the Supreme Court Bar Association auditorium.

The chief justice said journalists are always working with a social commitment and deep responsibility to reach information to people.

The role of media or journalism is undeniable in removing inconsistencies and building a beautiful society, he said, adding that an ideal journalist needs to have wisdom and competence.

The chief justice said information on law, courts, law and order situation, human rights and legal service is served through law journalism.

Law journalists play an important role in building awareness among people by reporting on the hopes and expectations, achievements and nonattainment, goals and objectives of people including justice seekers, he added.

SCBA President Advocate Zainul Abedin presided over the meeting where Justice Naima Haider, Deputy Attorney General Motaher Hossain Sazu, publisher of online news portal RisingBD SM Zahid Hasan, politician Bobby Hajjaj, Advocate Kazi Joynal Abedin, LRF President Sayeed Ahmed Khan and its former presidents Md Badiuzzaman and Ashutosh Sarkar also spoke.