Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md Mahfuj Alam has said that a public-private joint initiative is necessary for the welfare of journalists. Such an initiative will help ensure the professional and social security of journalists.
He made these remarks on Monday at the signing ceremony of a group insurance agreement at the Shafiqul Kabir Milonayatan of Dhaka Reporters’ Unity. At the event, an insurance agreement was signed between National Life Insurance PLC and nearly two thousand members of Dhaka Reporters’ Unity.
At the event, the Information and Broadcasting adviser said that government initiatives alone are not sufficient for the welfare of journalists; the private sector must also play a role in this regard. He urged insurance companies and other private institutions to come forward for the welfare of journalists.
Highlighting the government’s initiatives for journalists’ welfare, he said that on behalf of the government, a significant number of journalists are regularly provided welfare grants every three months from the Bangladesh Journalists’ Welfare Trust. In the last fiscal year, scholarships were awarded to the meritorious children of journalists.
The adviser informed that after the current interim government took charge, the scope of the Journalists’ Welfare Trust has been expanded.
Mahfuj Alam said that the draft ordinance regarding journalists’ protection has been sent to the Legislative Division. Additionally, the government is working on implementing the Ninth Wage Board.
Regarding the July mass uprising, the adviser said that the stories of sacrifice and struggle of those who contributed to this uprising must be brought to the people. He called upon journalists to highlight the contributions of the martyrs and the injured of the July mass uprising in the media.
Chaired by Dhaka Reporters’ Unity President Abu Saleh Akon, the event was also addressed by acting president of Bangladesh Federal Journalists’ Union Obaidur Rahman Shahin, President of Bangladesh Insurance Association Saeed Ahmed, Managing Director of National Life Insurance PLC Kazim Uddin, among others. The event was conducted by Dhaka Reporters’ Unity General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel.
