Public-private efforts needed for journalists' welfare: Mahfuj

Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md Mahfuj Alam has said both public and private initiatives are needed for the welfare of journalists, and such initiatives will help ensure their professional and social security, reports BSS.

"The government's initiatives alone are not enough for the welfare of journalists, so the private sector should also play a role in this regard," he said, urging insurance companies and other private institutions to step forward in support of journalists'welfare.

He made the remarks while addressing a group insurance agreement signing ceremony at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) in the capital on Monday.

At the event, an insurance agreement was signed between National Life Insurance PLC and about 2,000 members of DRU.

Highlighting the government's initiatives for journalists' welfare, the adviser said the government provides welfare grants to a significant number of journalists every three months through the Bangladesh Journalists' Welfare Trust.

In the last fiscal year, he added, scholarships were provided to the meritorious children of journalists. The scope of work of the Journalists' Welfare Trust has been expanded since the current interim government took office.

Mahfuj said the draft of the ordinance on the protection of journalists has been sent to the legislative department. In addition, the government is also working on implementing the ninth wage board, he added.

Regarding the July Uprising, the adviser said the stories of those who sacrificed in this uprising should be presented to the public.

He called upon journalists to highlight the contributions of the martyrs and the injured in the July Uprising in the media.