Govt working to ensure journalists’ rights: State Minister

The government is working to ensure journalists’ rights, including implementation of the Wage Board, State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yaser Khan Chowdhury said on Monday.

He said clear definitions of journalists and media organisations are necessary to ensure genuine journalists receive their rightful benefits and that others do not misuse the facilities of the Journalist Welfare Trust.

The state minister made the remarks at a consultation meeting on the Cyber Security (Amendment) Act 2026. A presentation was made at the meeting based on opinions received at an earlier consultation.

Yaser Khan Chowdhury stressed the need to formulate an acceptable framework for journalists’ Wage Board, professional rights and welfare in consultation with relevant institutions and organisations.

He said ensuring journalists’ rights must go hand in hand with ensuring that assistance from the Journalist Welfare Trust reaches genuine journalists. A clear framework is needed to determine who qualifies as a journalist, he added.

He also proposed establishing a clear framework for professional recognition of journalists and sought specific recommendations from journalist organisations on whether a system similar to the Bar Council could be introduced.

Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, Manab Zamin Editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, National Press Club President Hasan Hafiz, Ekushey Television CEO Abdus Salam, Prothom Alo Executive Editor Sazzad Sharif, RTV Head of News Ilias Hossain, Independent Television CEO Mostafa Akmal, writer Dr Shakhawat Hossain Sayant, former ERF president Sharmin Rinvee, Amar Desh Managing Editor Zahed Chowdhury and UNB Deputy Editor Masudul Haque, among others, spoke at the meeting.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Fakir Mahbub Anam also spoke at the meeting.

Information and Broadcasting Ministry Secretary Mahbuba Farzana and Information and Communication Technology Division Secretary Md Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan, among other officials, were present.

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