Scholarship Support for 402 Journalists’ Children Distributed

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan and State Minister Yasser Khan Chowdhury distributed scholarship cheques among 402 meritorious children of journalist families.

The cheques were handed over on Monday, February 23, at the conference center of the Welfare Trust under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

The event was presided over by Muhammad Abdullah, Managing Director of the Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust. Information and Broadcasting Secretary Mahbuba Farzana, Principal Information Officer Nizamul Kabir, Acting President of BFUJ Obaidullah Shaheen, journalist Shaheen Hasnat, and Director General of the Press Institute Bangladesh Faruk Wasif were present among others.

In his speech as chief guest, Zahir Uddin Swapan said that data becomes information, and processing data in the new era of media is challenging. To address that challenge, the definition of information will soon be determined. Based on this, the definition of journalists and their benefits will also be finalized.

He further stated that the media has played a vital role in connecting with the public throughout history. The government will work with journalists to combat misinformation. He also announced that allowances for senior journalists and medical services for journalists would be introduced soon as part of welfare initiatives.

State Minister Yasser Khan Chowdhury highlighted his electoral pledge to build a press club complex in his constituency and to form a fund for journalist welfare.

The Information Secretary informed that a letter has been sent to the Ministry of Finance seeking fund allocation to provide retirement allowances for senior journalists and to develop a journalists’ database.

Journalist Shaheen Hasnat, on behalf of the Trust, sought the Minister’s cooperation in taking initiatives to construct a dedicated hospital for journalists.

Earlier, at a board meeting of the Welfare Trust, the new Information and Broadcasting Minister was elected as Chairman.

DBTech/MM/EK/OR