200 Journos Received Welfare Grant Checks
In a formal event held at the Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB) on Wednesday, October 30, nearly 200 journalists from various levels across Bangladesh received welfare grant checks from the Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust. This marks the first phase of grants for the fiscal year 2024-25, with a total of 350 journalists to receive assistance.
The checks were distributed by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry Adviser, Md. Nahid Islam, who commended journalists' dedication to their profession and emphasized the government's commitment to supporting them. The event was presided over by Muhammad Abdullah, Managing Director of the Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust, with notable figures in attendance, including PIB Director General Faruq Wasif, Director General of the Directorate of Films and Publications, Abul Kalam Mohammad Shamsuddin, and General Secretary of the National Press Club Ayub Bhuiyan.
In his address, Adviser Md. Nahid Islam stressed the government’s dedication to media reform and urged journalists to continue serving the public with integrity and fairness. He also highlighted the importance of combating media harassment, announcing the formation of a committee under the Information Ministry to monitor and support journalists facing unjust legal cases. The Adviser reiterated the need for media laws that promote press freedom, with recent progress including the decision to repeal the Cyber Security Act.
Special guest, Information Secretary Mahbuba Farzana, acknowledged the quick distribution of grants as a testament to the ministry’s commitment. She encouraged journalists to approach their roles with professionalism and ethical responsibility, especially during times of social unrest.
Addressing the event, the Chief Information Officer, Md. Nizamul Kabir, praised Adviser Md. Nahid Islam’s leadership in the ongoing anti-discrimination movement and expressed optimism that the Adviser’s initiatives would bring positive changes for journalists in Bangladesh.
In his closing remarks, Muhammad Abdullah noted that this year’s process aimed to expedite support for journalists, contrasting with previous practices that required extensive wait times for grant access.
