Well-being of journalists linked to the well-being of democracy: Dulu

Jatiya Sangsad Chief Whip Advocate M Ruhul Quddus Talukdar Dulu attended as a special guest at a view-exchange meeting with journalists held at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad today. Photo : BSS

Jatiya Sangsad Whip Advocate M Ruhul Quddus Talukdar Dulu on Monday said that the formation of the 10^th Wage Board in a speedy manner is essential to ensure the welfare of media professionals, signifying the need to improve the living standards of journalists.

He said that journalists’ well-being is closely linked to the well-being of the country, the nation, and democracy.

Dulu made the remarks while speaking as a special guest at a view-exchange meeting with journalists held at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad on Monday. Chief Whip Md. Nurul Islam attended the event as the chief guest. Other whips were also present.

The Chief whip noted that although the government has officially declared the media sector an industry through a gazette notification, it has yet to receive full recognition in practice.

“As a result, many journalists working in different media outlets are not receiving regular salaries and benefits, which is very unfortunate,” he said.

He urged that journalists should be provided with a structured pay scale and benefits like those of government officials, ensuring stability and dignity in their profession.

“I always consider journalists my own people. We don’t want any journalist to suffer from financial hardship or die without proper treatment in their later years,” he added.

Referring to the current political environment, he said that a peaceful and violence-free electoral atmosphere has recently been established in the country, which he termed a milestone achievement. “Journalists should play a strong role in sustaining this democratic continuity, he said.”