Newspaper policy, permanent wage structure for journos demanded

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Leaders of Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) Saturday demanded constitution of a permanent wage structure for the journalists and employees in the newspaper industry and formulation of a national newspaper policy in order to establish discipline in the sector, reports BSS.
They also demanded appointing competent, dedicated and non-controversial journalists at different posts in the government positions related to newspaper industry and journalism, said a DUJ press release.
The call was made at an emergency meeting of the DUJ at the Jatiya Press Club with the DUJ President Shah Alamgir in the chair.
DUJ Vice President Abul Kalam, General Secretary Omar Faroque, Treasurer Mofidul Islam, Organising Secretary Noor-e-Jannat Akhter Sima, Office Secretary Barun Bhoumik Nayan, Publicity Secretary Gazi Jahirul Islam, Welfare Secretary Rafique Ahmed, DUJ leaders Tarun Tapan Chakraborty, Kamal Chowdhury, Rajendra Chandra Dev Mantu, Abul Khayer, Khandaker Golam Zilani, among others, were present.
Referring to unpleasant situation in some newspapers, the leaders expressed deep concern over the uneasiness in the industry and said a certain quarter is trying to create unrest and anxiety among the journalists and newspaper workers, which is not expected during the present democratic government.
A critical situation is prevailing at the Daily Ittefaq and the journalists and employees are being threatened, they said and sought immediate government intervention there.
"While the journalists-employees of the Ittefaq, who are the union members, are not allowed to enter the office, advertisements are being published for fresh appointments, which is not acceptable to the DUJ," the leaders said.
The leaders urged all journalists not to respond to any such advertisements under the present circumstances. Besides, an insecure situation has been prevailing at the Ittefaq office, they said and urged the law enforcers to keep vigil over the situation at the Ittefaq.
Expressing concern over the situation at the Bangladesh Observer due to non- payment of salaries to the journalists and employees-workers for the last 78 months, the DUJ leaders urged the government to appoint an administrator there in order to avoid any untoward situation.
They also demanded forming of an investigation committee to probe into the alleged irregularities and corruption at the state-run news agency Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) in the past.
The meeting recognised the new DUJ unit at the Ittefaq and congratulated the newly elected Unit Chief and Deputy Unit Chief.