Bangladesh
Government pledges action on journalists’ stalled wage-board implementation
State Minister Yasser Khan Chowdhury has promised steps to implement journalists’ wage-board provisions, following talks with the Dhaka Union of Journalists. Union leaders also sought a tenth wage board. The meeting produced assurances of action, rather than confirmation that a new pay structure has taken effect.
The government will take steps to implement journalists’ wage-board provisions and may raise the matter with the cabinet if necessary, State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Chowdhury said on 4 October.
He gave the assurance during talks with Dhaka Union of Journalists representatives at the ministry. Union leaders pressed for implementation of existing provisions and the announcement of a tenth wage board.
The minister acknowledged that the ninth wage board had not been properly implemented. He said discussions were taking place with the labour ministry and other relevant parties, and asked the union to submit its demands in writing.
The discussion also addressed journalists’ welfare and the conditions needed to retain capable people in the profession. The minister asked organisations to coordinate proposals on how journalists should be defined for relevant purposes.
The assurance does not establish that arrears have been paid, employers are complying or a new board has been formally constituted. Those would be distinct steps requiring separate confirmation.
For media workers, the practical test will be whether the promised discussions produce enforceable decisions and implementation. The meeting itself is the new development reported on Sunday.
