Dhaka: The Labor Reforms Commission has recommended the introduction of risk allowance, insurance, and pension for journalists. The commission submitted its report to Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the interim government formed a 10-member Labor Reforms Commission on November 17, spearheaded by Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed, Executive Director of the Bangladesh Institute of Labor Studies (BILS). The commission has suggested implementing a separate law modeled after ‘The Newspaper Employees (Conditions of Service) Act 1974’ for journalists and media workers, or alternatively, adding a separate chapter to the existing labor law.
The commission has also recommended broadening the definition of ‘newspaper worker’ in current labor laws to ‘media worker,’ thereby including employees across online, broadcast, radio, and television sectors. Other significant recommendations involve the mandatory issuance of appointment letters to all journalists in both print and electronic media, the implementation of defined working hours, leave policies, maternity leave for female journalists, and the recognition of behind-the-camera roles as video journalists.
Moreover, the commission has emphasized the introduction of risk allowance, insurance, and pensions for all journalists. It further recommended that media owners must document monthly salaries and send them to the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments to ensure fair wage practices. Additionally, the commission stressed the necessity of reforming the Journalists Welfare Trust to ensure it can effectively serve all media professionals.