Dhaka: Journalists have called for a review of the Media Reform Commission's recommendations to ensure the protection, rights, and professional security of journalists. They emphasized the necessity of implementing a 'No Wage Board, No Media' policy, which includes setting a minimum monthly salary of Tk 35,000 and ensuring the implementation of wage board benefits for both print and electronic media.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the demand was made during a roundtable discussion titled 'Reviewing the Recommendations of the Media Reform Commission and the Way Forward'. The event was jointly organized by Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) and the Journalist Community of Bangladesh at the Shafiqul Kabir Auditorium of DRU. DRU President Abu Saleh Akon chaired the discussion, and Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam addressed the event as the chief guest, while Journalist Community of Bangladesh Member Secretary Md. Mia Hossain presented the keynote speech.
The discussion, moderated by DRU General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel, featured several prominent speakers, including Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust Managing Director M Abdullah, Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) President Obaidur Rahman Shaheen, and former DRU President Sakhawat Hossain Badsha, among others. Shafiqul Alam highlighted that while the commission's report included many valuable recommendations, it also contained inconsistencies that warranted criticism. He emphasized the necessity of retaining provisions on 'hurting religious sentiments' to prevent religious violence and unrest.
Alam supported the 'No Wage Board, No Media' policy, advocating for its implementation. He proposed that media outlets deposit security funds into the government's welfare trust for journalists, suggesting Tk10-15 crore for online media, Tk 20 crore for newspapers, and Tk20-25 crore for television channels. These funds could help pay journalists' salaries during crises. Alam also called for editors who assume ownership positions to resign from unions to avoid conflicts of interest and stressed the need for certification to combat 'pseudo-journalism' and unethical reporting.
The event, supported by international fintech company Nala, included contributions from former DRU General Secretary Motahar Hossain Masum, DRU Vice-President Gazi Anwar, and Nala's Head of Growth Mahmudur Hasan, among others. DRU President Abu Saleh Akon emphasized that reforms would be ineffective without unity among journalists, urging them to organize to secure their rights.
Speakers like M Abdullah urged the government to recognize organizations such as DRU and the Press Club formally, while Obaidur Rahman Shaheen criticized the report for its lack of transparency. Mainul Hasan Sohel addressed ethical concerns regarding journalists' political affiliations, and Sakhawat Hossain Badsha called for DRU representation in media-related commissions to achieve genuine reforms. The need for a strong Journalist Protection Law was also highlighted.
Rafiqul Islam Azad warned of the profession's threats, advocating resilience among journalists. Other speakers advocated for a dedicated hospital for journalists' healthcare, with Moshiur Rahman Khan noting the lack of investment in journalists' welfare, despite the growth of media outlets. Loton Ekram stressed the importance of including TV and online platforms under the wage board system, while Didarul Alam urged for a structured pay scale and employer responsibility for journalists' income tax.