Dhaka: Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md. Mahfuj Alam today emphasized the necessity of public and private sector collaboration for the welfare of journalists, asserting that such joint efforts will ensure the professional and social security of newsmen. “The government’s initiatives alone are not enough for the welfare of journalists, so the private sector should also play a role in this regard,” he stated, encouraging insurance companies and other private institutions to contribute to the cause.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Mahfuj made these remarks at a group insurance agreement signing ceremony held at the Shafiqul Kabir Auditorium of Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU). During the event, a significant insurance agreement was signed between National Life Insurance PLC and about 2,000 members of DRU, marking a step forward in securing journalists’ welfare.
The Adviser highlighted the government’s ongoing initiatives to support journalists, such as the provision of welfare grants through the Bangladesh Journalists’ Welfare Trust every three months. He noted that in the last fiscal year, scholarships were awarded to the meritorious children of journalists and mentioned the expansion of the Journalists’ Welfare Trust’s scope since the current interim government took office.
Furthermore, Mahfuj revealed that a draft ordinance on the protection of journalists has been forwarded to the legislative department, and efforts are being made to implement the ninth wage board. He also urged journalists to shed light on the contributions of martyrs and those injured in the July Uprising, advocating for their stories to be shared with the public.
The event was presided over by Dhaka Reporters Unity President Abu Saleh Akon, with addresses from Acting President of Bangladesh Federal Journalists Union Obaidur Rahman Shaheen, President of Bangladesh Insurance Association Sayeed Ahmed, and Managing Director of National Life Insurance PLC Kazim Uddin. DRU General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel moderated the programme.