Information and Broadcasting Minister Hasan Mahmud said that there is no new law for journalists. At the same time, leaders of Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists demanded the withdrawal of government benefits for newspaper print quotas, identity cards, advertisements and supplements if the ninth wage board is not implemented.
During a meeting with the leaders of Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) at the Secretariat on Wednesday afternoon, he said in response to a question about the recent statement of the Chairman of the Press Council on the issue. They proposed five years ago to amend the 1974 law to strengthen the Press Council. That is still in the process. There is no new law for journalists in the country.
The Minister also mentioned the need to compile a list of journalists working in the country's media. He said many unregistered online, IP TV and even YouTube channel employees identify themselves as journalists. Some of them re-appointed district representatives. That is why they take money from their work without paying again. Some people deceive people with their journalistic identity. The reality is that real journalists are being harmed by them. That is why authorities have talked to the Press Council and the Press Institute to prepare a list of journalists working in the registered media.
Earlier, BFUJ President Omar Farooq, former President Manjurul Ahsan Bulbul, Secretary General Deep Azad, Treasurer Khairuzzaman Kamal and executive members Utpal Kumar Sarkar, Noor Jannat Akhtar Seema, Ummul Wala Sweety and Angur Nahar Monty took part in the exchange of views with the Minister. Meanwhile, on behalf of BFUZ, President Omar Farooq handed over a letter to the Minister with five demands.
The Ninth Wage Board amended it to implement it expeditiously in newspapers as well as on TV and online media, and if not implemented, revocation of government benefits on newsprint, accreditation cards, advertisements, supplements, fixing the exact circulation number of newspapers, delegating declaration power from DC office to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. BFUJ Secretary General Deep Azad presented the letter with a demand to ensure the involvement of BFUJ in enacting laws on media. Omar Farooq and Manjurul Ahsan Bulbul spoke on the occasion. The minister assured that the demands would be examined.
Minister Hasan Mahmud in response to questions about the Cumilla City Corporation election. Hasan Mahmud said, 'The election of Cumilla City Corporation is being held in a very peaceful and festive atmosphere. A little while ago, I got the news that no untoward incident had taken place until then. I hope that in the end, the election will end with enthusiasm and the verdict of the people will be reflected in the election results.”