Journalist leaders has demanded immediate announcement of the 9th wage board award and ending the prevailing anarchy in media outlets, report agencies.
They made the demand while speaking at a demonstration organised by Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) in front of the National Press Club.
They called for an end to unethical termination of journalists, ensuring regular payment of wages, and immediate announcement of the 9th wage board award and implementation of the Mass Media Employees Act.
Speaking on the occasion, President of Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) Molla Jalal said owners of several newspapers, television channels and other media outlets are arbitrarily dismissing journalists, leaving them jobless and forcing them to lead a miserable life.
He also alleged the owners do not abide by the existing laws although they are taking all the facilities from the state and the government.
The BFUJ chief also said the journalist community will have to be ready to wage a tougher movement.
BFUJ Secretary General Shaban Mahmud threatened to go for a tougher movement if anarchy in media outlets is not stopped.
He also sought government's intervention in this regard.
DUJ President Abu Jafar Surjo who presided over the programme said although the owners are availing of all the facilities from the government, they are depriving journalists and employees of their rights which cannot be accepted.
DUJ General Secretary Sohel Haider Chowdhury and BFUJ Vice-president Syed Ishtiaque Reza, among others, spoke on the occasion.
Meanwhile, BFUJ and DUJ will jointly arrange a human chain in front of the National Press Club on Monday to press for the same demands.
Greater programmes are likely to be announced from the rally.
