Wage board to be updated soon says Information Minister

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan has stated the government is taking urgent steps to update the Wage Board for media professionals, emphasizing that efforts to address challenges in the media sector are already underway.

The minister made the remarks on Saturday while speaking at a discussion organized by the Barishal district administration at the Shilpakala Academy hall to mark the Martyrs Day.

"We have started working on the problems facing the media sector. We are giving serious consideration to the Wage Board and want to make it time-appropriate as quickly as possible. We want to resolve any issues concerning journalists promptly," the minister said.

He also announced that family cards would be distributed within this month, adding that work is progressing on a priority basis to implement the government's commitment.

Addressing concerns about mob violence, the minister said a certain quarter is trying to patronize mob activities. He warned that even some individuals in key administrative positions are secretly supporting such elements. 

"We have detailed information about all of this. Under the leadership of Tarek Rahman, we know how to run the country. We are accountable to the people," he said.

Later, during an exchange with journalists at the Barishal Press Club, the minister urged media professionals to exercise responsibility in their reporting. "Quality journalists know what to make public and what to keep private. A journalist who earns the confidence of their sources will surely advance in their career. Some reporters tend to publish trivial matters without proper judgment. I advise everyone to be responsible about deciding what to include in their reporting and what to leave out," he said.