Desk Report:
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan delivered this speech at the 39th board meeting of the trust on Circuit House Road in the capital on Monday (February 23, 2026).
In the meeting, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan directed to prepare a complete database of beneficiary journalists to make the trust’s assistance activities more disciplined, accountable and transparent. He said that it is important to develop a modern information-based management to provide quick and effective assistance to the actual beneficiaries.
In his speech as the chief guest, the minister said that the people and the media are the main force behind all important achievements of the country. Stating that the media has strengthened public aspirations, he said that ensuring the free flow of information to journalists is one of the main responsibilities of the government.
In the meeting, State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yaser Khan Chowdhury was nominated as the new chairman of the Journalists’ Welfare Trust.
Newly appointed Chairman and State Minister for Information Yaser Khan Chowdhury expressed his gratitude to the media workers for their objective and courageous journalism during the mass uprising of 24. He said that the Trust will play a more effective role in ensuring the welfare and safety of journalists.
The board meeting was attended by Vice Chairman and Information Secretary of the Trust Mahbuba Farzana, Member and Chief Information Officer Md. Nizamul Kabir, Member and Director General of the Press Institute of Bangladesh Faruk Wasif and senior officials of the ministry.
After the meeting, the Minister and State Minister distributed scholarship checks among 402 meritorious children of journalist families at the Information Bhaban Auditorium on the initiative of the Journalist Welfare Trust. The heads of journalist families and concerned departments and organizations were also present at the event.
