Nahid Islam, Advisor for ICT, Telecommunications, and Information & Broadcasting, has stated that there is no scope for treating journalists in a subjugated manner. He emphasized that the wage board and salary structures for journalists must be ensured. The Advisor noted that a review is being conducted to understand why journalists are unable to work with full professionalism. He stressed the importance of working in consensus with multiple stakeholders, ensuring proper wage boards, and establishing fair salary structures for journalists, leaving no room for exploitative practices.
He made these remarks during an open discussion on media reforms held at the National Press Club on Monday (October 7) morning. Responding to questions from journalists, he also mentioned that a media reform commission would be announced after consultations with all relevant parties.
“We have already started meeting with the Editors’ Council and media owners. I want to sit directly with you [journalists] on this matter as well. We will establish a standard here,” he said.
He stated that the July Revolution serves as a significant case study for journalists, and the media’s role during this upheaval should be thoroughly analyzed. “At that time, although journalists were working on the ground, their reports were not published by media houses. As a result, electronic media did not broadcast any news during that period. If you ask those responsible, they will say there was pressure from the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) or the government,” he remarked. Moving forward, it is crucial to ensure professionalism in journalism and to encourage more young people to join the profession, as interest among the youth in journalism is declining, a trend that was not seen in the 1990s.
During the discussion, the keynote address titled “Why and How to Reform the Media” was presented by Jimmy Amir, a journalist and the convener of the organizing platform Media Support Network. He emphasized the need for media reform to ensure personal and societal freedom. In his written statement, Amir mentioned that due to impunity and a lack of accountability, journalists in the field are becoming subject to servitude to preserve their jobs, which the public finds ridiculous. The practice of servitude among “professional” journalists is no longer hidden. Despite the presence of press clubs and organizations like DRU, DUJ, and BFUJ, various issue-based, sectoral, and district-level journalist organizations have emerged. These organizations often demand funds from government and private individuals under the guise of picnics and gifts. Those who should hold others accountable instead exert influence over journalists.
The discussion, moderated by lawyer Safiar Rahman, featured remarks from Faruk Wasif, Director General of the Press Institute of Bangladesh, along with journalism teachers and other journalists. Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Advisor, emphasized the importance of enhancing “activism” among field journalists so they can practice journalism with pride in a free environment. He pointed out that traditional forms of activism have failed, noting that certain journalist leaders have used their positions to secure plots in areas like Baridhara, Uttara, and the eastern regions while exploiting journalists under the pretext of “underground newspapers.” These leaders have prioritized their personal interests. Therefore, he urged journalists working on the streets to engage in activism.