Journalists have urged the government to revisit the Media Reform Commission’s report, calling for better protection of their rights, enhanced professional security, and fair treatment within the industry.
At a roundtable discussion titled “Reviewing the Recommendations of the Media Reform Commission and the Way Forward,” held at Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU), speakers emphasized the urgent need for a “No Wage Board, No Media” principle. They demanded the government implement a wage board across both print and electronic media, fixing the minimum salary for journalists at Tk 35,000 per month.
The event, co-hosted by DRU and the Journalist Community of Bangladesh, was chaired by DRU President Abu Saleh Akon. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam addressed the gathering as the chief guest, while Md. Mia Hossain, Member Secretary of the Journalist Community of Bangladesh, presented the keynote speech. The event was moderated by DRU General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel.
In his address, Shafiqul Alam acknowledged the usefulness of several proposals in the commission’s report but pointed out several inconsistencies. He highlighted the clause addressing “hurting religious sentiments” and stressed its importance to avoid potential religious violence. He also endorsed the call for a wage board, stating that it must be implemented.
Alam proposed that media houses contribute security funds to the government’s welfare trust—Tk 10-15 crore for online outlets, Tk 20 crore for newspapers, and Tk 20-25 crore for television channels—to ensure journalists’ salaries during emergencies. He also suggested that editors who take ownership positions in media organizations should resign from unions to avoid conflicts of interest. Furthermore, he called for the official certification of journalists to curb “pseudo-journalism” and unethical practices.
Speaking about journalists’ rights, Alam stressed the need for employers to ensure workplace safety, with legal actions against those failing to comply. He also suggested that the government formally recognize bodies like DRU and the Press Club alongside unions, and extend pension schemes to veteran journalists.
Former DRU General Secretary Motahar Hossain Masum, DRU Vice President Gazi Anwar, and Nala’s Head of Growth Mahmudur Hasan were among those who addressed the event. They highlighted the need for reforms in the media sector and greater support for journalists’ welfare.
Obaidur Rahman Shaheen, President of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ), criticized the report for its lack of transparency and accuracy, calling for a comprehensive review. Mainul Hasan Sohel emphasized that journalists associated with political parties should not identify themselves as independent professionals, as it could undermine credibility.
Sakhawat Hossain Badsha, a former DRU President, argued that any media-related commission would be incomplete without DRU’s involvement. He also called for the enactment of a Journalist Protection Law, stressing that journalism itself was under threat. Rafiqul Islam Azad, another former DRU President, urged the profession to face these challenges with determination.
Speakers also stressed the importance of a dedicated hospital to provide healthcare for journalists. Moshiur Rahman Khan, a senior journalist, noted that while the number of media outlets had increased, little had been done by successive governments to safeguard journalists’ welfare, with media owners more focused on business interests than the well-being of their employees.
Loton Ekram, Editor of DBC News, insisted that TV and online platforms must be included in the wage board structure, while Didarul Alam, Joint Secretary of the Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ), pointed out that journalists’ income tax should be paid by employers, as mandated by the Appellate Division. He also called for the inclusion of clear guidelines for the pay of district and rural journalists in the commission’s report.
The roundtable concluded with a consensus that reforms would only be achieved through unity within the journalist community. DRU President Abu Saleh Akon emphasized the need for collective action to secure journalists’ rights, noting that while political changes had occurred, meaningful reforms in the media sector remained elusive.
