Khulna: The general meeting of the Metropolitan Union of Journalists (MUJ), Khulna, was held at the Humayun Kabir Balu Auditorium of Khulna Press Club this morning. Speakers at the meeting emphasized that MUJ Khulna will spearhead efforts to secure the rights, employment opportunities, and professional welfare of journalists in the region, particularly following the July 36 mass uprising.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, members were urged to maintain unity to fortify and enhance the effectiveness of the organization, learning from previous incidents within the union. The meeting was chaired by MUJ Khulna President Md. Rashidul Islam and conducted by General Secretary Abdur Razzak Rana, with speeches from notable figures including Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) Assistant Secretary General Ehteshamul Haq Shawon and Member Secretary of Khulna Press Club Rafiul Islam Tutul, among others.
The discussions during the meeting were comprehensive, focusing on ongoing organizational activities, professional challenges, and issues concerning the rights and safety of media workers. Members also reviewed the overall organizational status and outlined future action plans.
Key decisions included granting new memberships, organizing the installation of a new committee, observing the martyrdom anniversary of journalist Sheikh Belal Uddin, holding an Iftar gathering, arranging professional capacity-building workshops, and commemorating significant dates like "Black Day of Newspapers" on June 16 and the 5 August Mass Uprising Day.
The meeting also emphasized strong demands for various reforms and protections, such as implementing the "No Wage Board, No Media" policy, setting a minimum salary of Tk 35,000 for journalists, enforcing the Ninth Wage Board across all media types, forming the Tenth Wage Board, and adopting a journalist protection policy. Additional demands included establishing two weekly holidays for journalists, ensuring justice in journalist murder cases, repealing restrictive press laws, and creating a separate labor court to secure journalists' lawful dues, aligning with BFUJ's 39-point demands.
Special prayers were held during the meeting for the swift recovery and health of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, as well as for the forgiveness of deceased union members and the recovery of those who are currently ill.