Journalists Rally Nationwide for Wage Board, Protection, and Press Freedom

Journalists across Bangladesh, unified under the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ), held nationwide protest rallies today to press for a comprehensive 39-point charter of demands focused on media welfare and independence.

Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) President Shahidul Islam presided over the event, while Jatiya Press Club President Hasan Hafiz, BFUJ Senior Vice-President Obaidur Rahman Shahin, Vice-Presidents Khairul Bashar and AKM Mohsin, and several senior journalists addressed the gathering.

The Journalists demand immediate implementation of the Ninth Wage Board, formation of the Tenth, and a unified wage structure for all media formats (print, electronic, online, and multimedia). The BFUJ also insists on enforcing a 'No Wage Board, No Media' policy to ensure fair compensation and benefits, particularly for district correspondents who often work unpaid.

Journalist leaders also urges introduction of two weekly holidays for media workers, mandatory provision of written appointment letters, and timely payment of salaries, along with health and accident insurance. Urgent formulation of a journalist protection law and the establishment of a separate labor court to handle media disputes. Demonstrators called for an end to the harassment, intimidation, and killing of journalists, specifically demanding speedy trials for unresolved murder cases, including that of Sagar-Runi.

The BFUJ charter demands the abolition of all perceived "anti-media black laws" and guarantees for the editorial and institutional independence of media houses, preventing interference from intelligence agencies in operations.

They also called for official recognition of the media industry to promote sustainable growth.

BFUJ Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury stated the goal is a "transformed media environment" where journalists can operate freely and responsibly without fear.