Dhaka: State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Choudhury has announced that the government intends to significantly increase the allocation for the Bangladesh Journalist Welfare Trust from Taka 6 crore to Taka 25 crore. The announcement was made during the 31st founding anniversary event of the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU).
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the state minister revealed that a proposal has been put forward for this increase following a policy decision by the ministry. Yasser emphasized the government's commitment to support journalists, stating, "If we are unable to provide the full amount in this fiscal year, an allocation of Taka 25 crore for our journalist brothers and sisters will be approved by next fiscal year."
The event was attended by several prominent figures, including LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, Prime Minister's Political Adviser and BNP's acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Information and Broadcasting Minister Andaleeve Rahman, State Minister for Road Transport and Bridges Habibur Rashid, and State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque. Principal Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmed and senior journalist Shafik Rehman, along with leaders from various political, journalists', social, and cultural organizations, also spoke at the occasion, highlighting the importance of supporting the journalist community.