Leaders of Bangladesh Federal Union of ists (BFUJ) and Dhaka Union of ists (DUJ) have demanded the formation of a tenth wage board in newspapers.
This demand was made at the Great May Day discussion meeting organized by BFUJ and DUJ at Abdus Salam Hall of National Press Club on Wednesday (May 1). Acting President of DUZ Nazrul Islam Mithu presided over the meeting conducted by General Secretary Aktar Hossain.
ist leaders said that even if the salary of other professionals in the country has increased, the salary increase of journalists is irregular. ists are lagging behind in other facilities as well. Although the government has an independent media policy, many concerned are reluctant to implement it. ists are being exploited and deprived in various cases. The government is aware of the issues but is not taking any effective action in these cases.
BFUZ president Omar Farooq said that the Prime Minister of the current government, Sheikh Hasina, is very sincere about the rights and dignity of journalists. However, there are some government officials who are indifferent to the rights of journalists. To ensure the rights and dignity of journalists, the tenth wage board should be announced on television and newspapers immediately.
Former president of BFUJ, Manjurul Ahsan Bulbul said, “We got three rights through the May Day movement—eight hours of work, eight hours for rest and family, and the remaining eight hours for organizing.” Eight hours into the organization we are having trouble. May Day teaches us the dignity of profession and ensures safety.
BFU General Secretary Deep Azad demanded immediate payment of all arrears and salaries of journalists. He said, first you have to be vocal to get your rights.
Abdul Jalil Bhuiyan, former secretary general of BFU, said that the unity of newspaper workers and journalists is very important for the realization of rights.
The Acting President of DUZ, Nazrul Islam Mithu, said, “The level of deprivation in the newspapers today seems that we are still in the pre-1886 situation. Only a united movement can restore the rights and dignity of journalists. Dhaka ists Union will play a leading role in this regard.
Former President of DUZ Quddus Afrad, Treasurer of BFUJ Khairuzzaman Kamal, Vice President of DUZ Ibrahim Khalil Khokon, Organizing Secretary of DUZ Golam Mujtaba Dhrub, Former Vice President Manik Lal Ghosh, Joint Secretary Md. Shahjahan Mia, Former Organizing Secretary of Reporters Unity Sheikh Jamal, Senior Reporter of Bangladesh News Agency (BASS) Abu Saeed and General Secretary of Tripura ists Union Santosh Gop.