Dhaka: Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury today stated that journalists in Bangladesh, although part of the labor force, are often denied the basic entitlements that other workers enjoy.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, most media organizations do not compensate journalists according to the wage board. Despite this, media outlets falsely claim compliance with the wage board to secure advertisements. Chowdhury emphasized the need for the union to take action against these deceitful owners.
The journalist leader was speaking at a May-day discussion organized by the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and the Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) at the Jatiya Press Club. He highlighted the paradox of modern civilization, which is built on the labor of workers who remain neglected and unrecognized.
Chowdhury underscored the contradiction in society that celebrates monuments built by workers but continues to marginalize them. He pointed out the growing class divide, noting that society is split between laborers and owners, with the latter often failing to acknowledge the contributions of the working class.
The discussion, chaired by acting BFUJ President Obaidur Rahman Shaheen, also included participation from senior journalists. Citing International Labour Organization (ILO) data, Chowdhury revealed that a worker dies every 15 seconds due to workplace accidents or illness, resulting in a 4% GDP loss globally each year.
Focusing on Bangladesh, he reported that 1,432 workers lost their lives and 502 were injured in workplace incidents in 2023 alone. In the first two months of 2025, 213 workers have died in workplace incidents, yet employers have not supported the victims’ families.