Dhaka: Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md. Mahfuj Alam announced the government’s intention to make the journalism profession more journalist-friendly through discussions with key media stakeholders, including owners and editors. He shared these plans during a cheque distribution ceremony organized by the Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust at Tathya Bhaban.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Mahfuj Alam acknowledged the economic challenges faced by journalists in Dhaka, referencing his own decision not to pursue journalism due to low starting salaries, which range from Taka 10,000-12,000. He emphasized that such wages are insufficient to support a family. Addressing the welfare grant, Mahfuj described it as an emergency measure, stating that regular salaries and allowances for journalists would eliminate the need for such grants.
The government, Mahfuj noted, is committed to implementing the Media Reform Commission’s recommendations to further the interests of journalists. He also promised to expand the scope of the Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust to better support media professionals.
Other notable attendees included Information Secretary Mahbuba Farjana, Media Reforms Commission Chief Kamal Ahmed, and National Press Club General Secretary Ayub Bhuiyan. Journalists Muhammad Khairul Bashar, Sajid Arafat, and Mir Mushfiq Ahsan were present, with Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust Managing Director Muhammad Abdullah presiding over the event.
Mahbuba Farjana urged journalists to responsibly combat rumors and propaganda, emphasizing the need for media objectivity to protect national interests. During the event, 374 journalists and their families received cheques totaling Tk 1,93,90,000. The beneficiaries included 11 families of deceased journalists and 192 journalists battling critical illnesses.