Digital Database Drive Urged for Professional Journalists
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan has emphasized the importance of creating a data-based database of professional journalists. He said modern mass media is now operating through digital platform-based systems. Therefore, efficient information management and the creation of an accurate database of journalists have become a necessity of the time.
He made the remarks on Tuesday afternoon, 19 May, at a cheque handover ceremony for group insurance benefits to the families of late Nikhil Mankhin and Shyamal Kanti Nag, two deceased members of Dhaka Reporters Unity, held at the Shafiqul Kabir Auditorium of the organization in the capital.
The minister said the government is planning to establish a modern Media Commission to eliminate irregularities in the media sector. Through this commission, policies will be formulated in such a way that neither the government, media owners, nor journalists will be able to misuse power.
He further said privately owned media outlets need to be brought under a legal framework. This would help ensure journalists’ job security, pensions, gratuity and regular salaries.
Abu Saleh Akon, President of Dhaka Reporters Unity, said many journalists in the country still do not receive provident funds or other financial benefits despite working for long periods. He demanded a minimum salary of Tk 35,000 for journalists and the assurance of full freedom of speech.
Mainul Hasan Sohel, General Secretary of the organization, said the organization is regularly working on journalists’ skill development, training and healthcare services. He also demanded two weekly holidays for journalists and implementation of the Wage Board.
Among others, speeches were delivered by Tofazzal Hossain, Chairman of National Life Insurance PLC, and the company’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Md. Kazim Uddin.
Special guest speeches were also delivered by Tofazzal Hossain and Md. Kazim Uddin.
Also present at the event were Md. Jafar Iqbal, Joint Secretary of the DRU Executive Committee; Finance Secretary Niaz Mahmud Sohel; Office Secretary Rashim Molla; Cultural Secretary Monowar Hossain; Hospitality Secretary Aminul Haque Bhuiyan; Executive Member Suman Chowdhury, among others.
DBTech/DI/EK/OR
