The process to form the 10th Wage Board for newspapers will begin very soon, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon told parliament on Sunday.
The minister disclosed the information during the question-answer session of the National Parliament, in response to a written question from Bagerhat-2 opposition MP Sheikh Monjurul Haque Rahad.
He said the 9th Newspaper Wage Board was published in the Bangladesh Gazette on 12 September 2019 but could not be implemented due to disagreements between journalists and newspaper owners regarding income tax payment.
Six civil petitions or writs regarding the implementation of the 9th Wage Board are currently ongoing, the minister added.
Journalist protection initiatives
In response to a question from MP Nurul Islam, the minister said initiatives have been taken to create a journalist protection support cell, legal and technical referral in cases of threats, attacks, or digital harassment, special support for women journalists, digital security training, emergency welfare support, and district-level journalist protection initiatives.
An integrated support framework with relevant organisations is also being developed to ensure the protection, dignity, and safe professional environment for journalists, he added.
Press Council amendment underway
Responding to a question from ruling party MP Mohammad Ali Asgar, the minister said work is ongoing to amend the Press Council Act of 1974 to make the council a stronger, more effective, and media-friendly institution.
Through the Journalists’ Welfare Trust, benefits are being provided to journalists unable to work due to incapacity, illness, or inability to afford medical expenses, as well as in recognition of special contributions to journalism. Up to March of the 2025-2026 fiscal year, financial assistance has been given to 1,110 sick, indigent, and accident-injured journalists and families of deceased journalists.
TV channel approvals
In response to a question from MP Jalal Uddin, the minister said there are four government-owned television channels in the country. While 55 private channels have received approval, 37 are currently in full operation. No new channels are awaiting approval, and future applications will be processed according to rules, he added.
