Jamal Uddin is a prolific journalist in the field of business and economic journalism in Bangladesh. When a few were brave enough to report on difficult issues like business and economy in the country, he became one of the most versatile journalists among them. During his long career, Jamal has covered numerous high profile local and international events including UNGA and earned number of awards.
He has been showing his leadership quality in running the media since he become the Business & Economic Editor at Bengali-language newspaper The Daily Ittefaq. Besides, Jamal led different professional journalists’ bodies, including Dhaka Reporters Unity and Economic Reporters Forum, from time to time. In an interview with Bangladesh Post, the prolific journalist talks about contemporary issues. Here are the excerpts from the interview:
Bangladesh Post (BP): In the context of the pandemic, the newspaper industry is heavily affected. Can the industry survive and what will be the implications if it crumbles?
Jamal Uddin: It’s true the newspaper industry is seriously affected by the virus pandemic. It is impossible now to bring full folded newspaper as advertisement has fallen. Many media outlets are unable to pay salaries as revenue goes down. The problem is not in our country, whole world suffers. So we are waiting for good news how quickly vaccines come. Lifting lockdown is also important. We don’t know how long it takes. But, I believe in hope and I am optimistic.
I think we could overcome the crisis. You know newspaper industry (in Bangladesh) has always been struggling, but most of them made handful of profit earlier. Some of them are good paymasters as well. So, in this situation the key is managing the crisis better. What I can say for sure is that if a media house can manage the crisis efficiently during the pandemic, it will survive and be successful robustly.
BP: What would you say about young people entering the field of journalism?
Jamal: Bangladesh is moving towards the transition from low-income country to a middle-income country. Every year, the country is having a satisfactory growth. The media has also expanded here as well. We have now many newspapers, magazines, television channels and online magazines. As a result, work opportunities are also increasing. New hands are needed in these establishments. Of course, young people can come to this profession if they can develop themselves efficiently and have commitments to accept challenges.
Remunerations are also satisfactory here. Those who are newcomers, must have the willingness to tackle the challenges. They must do hard work along with their regular studies. Besides reading newspapers, they should keep an eye on foreign media where all information are available. Patience and thrust to gain knowledge are needed in journalism. New thinking also requires due to changing technology. Newcomers can do more than that. But one must come into this profession with a spirit of dedication.
BP: The government has announced the 9th Wage Board for the newspaper industry. You are one of the highest salaried people in the industry. What do you recommend implementing the Wage Board in all the newspapers of the country?
Jamal: The Wage board is for the newspaper industry and it is the minimum. The media owners can pay more if they want. I would say, all media outlets must implement the Wage Board, which will increases productivity too.
Q. You have led Dhaka Reporters' Unity. Would you say something about leading this organization?
I express my gratitude to the members of Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) since they gave me the opportunity to lead the professional journalists’ body.
At present, the activities of the DRU has increased. We carry out a variety of programs, including training the journalists. Now I am working to make the organization as a welfare institution. At present one of its structures has been formed. But those who spend time for the benefit of the organization, also have something to do for their families.
From this view, we are involved in organizing the family members in DRU. There is also a school of music, dance, and arts. Children of the members are its students. The latest addition is the swimming training program and the family sports festival for the spouses of the members. It received a huge resonance.
There are also stipends for the education for the children. We also help the children of the late members and arrange education for them. As a member of a welfare organization, I first introduced the financial grant system for the family of DRU members those left us forever. Also, I have launched the DRU Literature Award.
