Journalists across Bangladesh demonstrate for 39-point demand

Journalists across the country held protest rallies on Saturday demanding the implementation of the ‘No Wage Board, No Media’ policy, formulation of a journalist protection law, introduction of two weekly holidays, and repeal of all anti-media black laws.

The protests were organised under the banner of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ), which placed a 39-point charter of demands aimed at ensuring press freedom and journalists’ welfare.

At a rally in front of the Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka, BFUJ Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury presented the demands.

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, along with several other senior journalists, addressed the gathering.

Among the key demands are:

·  Immediate implementation of the ninth wage board and formation of the tenth, along with a unified wage board for print, electronic, online, and multimedia journalists.

·  Enforcement of the ‘No Wage Board, No Media’ policy to ensure fair pay and benefits.

·  Formulation of a journalist protection policy and establishment of a separate labour court for journalists.

·  Two weekly holidays for journalists in line with other sectors.

·  End to harassment, intimidation and killings of journalists, with speedy trials for all past murder cases including that of Sagar-Runi.

·  Abolition of all anti-media laws, and guarantees for editorial and institutional independence of media houses.

·  Fair wages for district correspondents, many of whom work without pay, and safeguards against arbitrary dismissal.

·  Mandatory written appointment letters, timely payment of salaries, and accident and health insurance for media workers.

·  Inclusion of journalists in state policymaking and ensuring that no intelligence agency interferes in media operations.

·  Reduction of import duties and taxes on newsprint, and declaring the media industry as a recognised sector to ensure sustainable growth.

Kader Gani Chowdhury said the BFUJ envisions “a transformed media environment where journalists can report freely, without fear or favour, and pursue truth with responsibility as the driving force of journalism.”

The nationwide protests, he said, reflect journalists’ unity in defending their professional rights and press freedom.