The government will take necessary initiative to implement Wage Board in the interest of journalists, and the issue will be raised in Cabinet if required, State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Choudhury announced on Sunday.
Speaking at a views exchange meeting with leaders of Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) held at the ministry, Yasser stressed that ensuring the protection and welfare of journalists is essential.
He noted that journalists play a crucial role in presenting accurate information to the public, warning that if proper facilities are not ensured, good journalists will lose interest in their work, and the creation of new talented journalists will suffer.
Addressing the long-standing stalemate surrounding the Wage Board, Yasser observed that 9th Wage Board has not been properly implemented.
He mentioned that alongside journalists’ demands for 10th Wage Board, the implementation of 9th Wage Board was discussed, adding that information and broadcasting ministry is holding discussions with labour ministry and other stakeholders to strengthen this initiative.
Yasser further emphasised that owners of media houses must also be sincere regarding journalists’ rights and welfare, noting that government announcements alone will not yield desired results unless media outlets implement them.
On the necessity of defining a “journalist”, the state minister highlighted that genuine journalists, the public, and democracy face threats from fake journalists operating on online portals and social media, alongside professional journalists with long experience.
He called upon journalist organisations to jointly submit a coordinated proposal on who should be considered a journalist.
Regarding the Cyber Security Act, Yasser clarified that the law is not intended to control media or curb journalists’ writing, but to keep the public safe from harassment, false information, and disinformation spread through fake social media accounts.
He added that the government is considering a proposal from journalists requiring court permission before taking legal action against a news outlet or journalist for an inadvertent breach of law, with discussions ongoing on incorporating necessary provisions.
Affirming the government’s belief in media freedom and freedom of speech, Yasser said the government will not interfere in media operations and is working to ensure an independent environment for journalists.
The state minister urged journalists to submit their demands in writing to facilitate government implementation and follow-up action, while highlighting the importance of continuing meetings with journalist organisations.
During the meeting, DUJ President Md Shahidul Islam pointed out that journalists work day and night – often risking their lives – to bring news to the public, yet remain deprived of fair remuneration, calling on the government to take active measures to implement the Wage Board.
General Secretary Khurshid Alam said content creators should not be identified as journalists and urged action against individuals operating Facebook pages while claiming to be journalists, while seeking coordinated government initiatives for journalists’ welfare.
Joint General Secretary Md Didarul Alam Didar noted that journalists are deprived of their rights due to the prolonged non-implementation of Wage Board.
He demanded the immediate declaration of 10th Wage Board and urged the government to take a strict stance by withholding government advertisements and special supplements from newspapers and media outlets that fail to implement.
Other speakers at the meeting included DUJ Vice-President Rashedul Haque, Office Secretary Iqbal Majumdar Touhid, Welfare Secretary Salahuddin Rajjaq, Publicity Secretary Abul Kalam, Sports and Cultural Secretary Rafiq Liton, and Executive Members Mohammad Gazi Anwar and Talukder AHM Nurul Momen.
Also present were Senior Vice-President Rafiq Mohammad and Executive Members M Mosharraf Hossain, Abdullah Mazumder, and Fakhrul Islam.
The meeting covered detailed discussions on professional dignity, journalists’ welfare, Wage Board implementation, defining journalists, cyber security, and media freedom.
