Desk Report:
The government is planning to form a ‘modern media commission’ to make the modern media system more disciplined and accountable, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said.
He said this while speaking as the chief guest at a program organized by Dhaka Reporters Unity at Shafiqul Kabir Auditorium in Dhaka on Tuesday (May 19, 2026) afternoon. Group insurance checks were handed over to the families of two late members of the organization, Nikhil Mankhin and Shyamal Kanti Nag.
At the program organized under the chairmanship of DRU President Abu Saleh Akon and moderated by General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel, the minister said that modern media has now taken the form of an integrated system based on digital platforms, where information management has become very important. He stressed on bringing the privately owned media under a clear legal framework, so that job security, pension, gratuity and regular salary of journalists can be ensured.
The minister said that the proposed media commission will formulate such policies where on the one hand the government will not control the media, on the other hand the owners will not be able to abuse journalists – and it will be ensured that journalists will not abuse their responsibilities.
He also said that an initiative is being taken to create a complete information-based database for real journalists. At the same time, he mentioned the initiative to expand the professional security and personal insurance benefits of journalists as commendable.
National Life Insurance PLC Chairman Tofazzal Hossain and the company’s MD and CEO Md. Kazim Uddin spoke as special guests at the event.
DRU President Abu Saleh Akon said that the initiative to make ‘NOC’ mandatory for journalists to change jobs was against independence, which was withdrawn in the face of protests by journalists. He demanded that all facilities including service benefits and PF be ensured for long-term employment of journalists.
He also said that many journalists do not get minimum benefits even after working for a long time, and even after death it becomes difficult to meet the basic needs of their families. He demanded that the minimum salary of journalists be fixed at Tk 35,000, a special support fund be formed for the families of journalists above 60 years of age, and full freedom of speech be ensured.
DRU General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel called for implementing two days off a week for journalists and implementing a wage board. He also mentioned the continuation of training, healthcare and welfare activities.
Various journalists and guests, including leaders of the organization’s executive committee, were present at the event.
