Chattogram: Bashir Jamal, Managing Director of the Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust (BJWT), announced that the government is considering new initiatives aimed at enhancing the welfare of journalists across the country. This development was revealed during a cheque distribution event at the Chattogram Press Club, where financial assistance and scholarships were provided to journalists.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is actively exploring strategies to bolster the accommodations and dignity of journalists. The event saw 39 journalists from the Chattogram and Rangamati districts benefitting from the grants and scholarships. During the event, Jamal emphasized the initiatives undertaken by the BNP government in both its current and previous tenures to support journalists. He highlighted the efforts made by former President Ziaur Rahman and continued by Begum Khaleda Zia’s government to provide housing facilities for journalists in Dhaka.
Jamal praised the current government for its journalist-friendly stance and mentioned that several initiatives are underway to enhance the welfare of journalists. Referring to Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan, he noted that the government is considering implementing a pension scheme for senior journalists and health cards for those who are ill. He expressed optimism that these steps would significantly improve the quality of life for journalists in the country.
The event was presided over by Mohammad Shahnowaz, President of the Chattogram Metropolitan Journalists Union (CMUJ), with Saleh Noman, General Secretary of CMUJ, serving as the moderator. Additional attendees included Additional Deputy Commissioner of Chattogram Md. Sharif Uddin, Press Club President Zahidul Karim Kochi, General Secretary Golam Maula Murad, Joint Secretary Meah Mohammad Arif, Bureau Chief of Amar Desh Patrika Sohag Kumar Biswas, and journalists Saiful Islam Shilpi and Rubel Khan.