Demanding implementation of ‘No Wage Board, No Media’ policyJournalists hold nationwide protests

Journalists across Bangladesh held protest rallies on Saturday demanding press freedom, protection for media workers, and implementation of the “No Wage Board, No Media” policy, along with 39 specific demands aimed at ensuring journalists’ welfare and professional independence.

The central rally, organised by the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ), took place in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka.

BFUJ Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury presented the 39-point demand list during the demonstration, emphasising the urgent need to implement a comprehensive journalist protection policy, ensure two-day weekly holidays for journalists, and repeal all laws that restrict media freedom.

The event was presided over by Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) President Shahidul Islam. Among those who addressed the rally were National Press Club President Hasan Hafiz, BFUJ Senior Vice President Obaidur Rahman Shaheen, Vice Presidents Khairul Bashar and AKM Mohsin, DUJ General Secretary Khurshid Alam, and former National Press Club general secretary Syed Abdal Ahmad.

Other speakers included Jahangir Alam Pradhan, Bashir Jamal, Erfanul Haque Nahid, Morsalin Noman, Rafique Muhammad, Rashedul Haque, Didarul Alam, Saeed Khan, Abu Bakar, Arpana Roy, Modabber Hossain, Khandaker Alamgir, D.M. Amar, and Al Amin, among others.

Presenting the demands, Kader said, “We want a transformed media landscape where journalists can investigate and report the truth without fear or external pressure. Investigative journalism should represent the pursuit of truth, and a sense of responsibility must remain at the heart of journalism.”

He reiterated that ensuring fair wages, safety, and editorial freedom are fundamental to protecting democracy and strengthening responsible journalism in Bangladesh.

Similar protest rallies and demonstrations were held by journalists’ organisations nationwide on Friday, echoing the same 39-point demand for freedom of the press and journalist protection.