New wage board coming soon to secure journalists’ pay and status

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon announced on Wednesday that the government is collaborating with media owners to establish a formal wage board and structured pay scale, aiming to guarantee fair compensation and professional dignity for journalists.

The minister shared these remarks during an exchange of views with photojournalists at the Bangladesh Photo Journalists Association auditorium in Dhaka.

He said that if the media is treated as an industry, recruitment and operational activities must comply with relevant laws. He added that while investors must safeguard their investments, workers’ rights must also be ensured, and expressed hope for a balanced solution.

Presided over by association president AKM Mohsin, the meeting featured speeches from several key media leaders, including BFUJ Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury, Dhaka Union of Journalists President Shahidul Islam, and Bangladesh Photojournalist Association General Secretary Babul Talukdar.

Noting the rapid pace of technological advancement, the minister pointed out that modern devices now integrate the functions of television, radio, cameras, and computers, and urged photojournalists to enhance their skills to stay relevant.

He also stressed the need for a dedicated training institute and suggested transforming the association's building into a modern training centre to strengthen professional capacity.

Warning that fascism can spread like a contagion, the minister underscored the media's vital role in protecting democracy and called for continued vigilance from the press.

He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is highly conscious of the issue and, even before forming the government, instructed lawmakers and ministers not to take undue privileges such as permits, cars or plots, reflecting a firm stance against the abuse of power.

Criticising the previous Awami League administration, the minister remarked that those who came to power in 2009 were ultimately unable to withstand the events of 5 August 2024.

He also assured that justice would be ensured for journalists who were repressed and lost their lives during fascist actions.