Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud has told the parliament that the government will provide 1,500 journalists with a grant of Tk10,000 during the coronavirus pandemic.
The minister also said all preparations in this regard have already been made to disperse the grant through the Journalist Welfare Trust.
He said this while replying to a question from lawmaker Shahiduzzaman Sarker during a question and answer session at the parliament on Monday.
Dr Hasan said the country’s journalists have been risking their lives to collect and disseminate information during the coronavirus pandemic. Therefore, the government has taken a program to initially provide 1,500 journalists with Tk10,000 each as a one-time grant.
He also said more journalists will be given the one-time grant in phases.
At the same time, the minister also said that another initiative has been taken to provide aid of Tk3.1 crore to journalists who were physically ill, financially struggling, and those who have died or received injuries from accidents.
From FY2011-12 till now, the ministry has provided Tk10.795 crore as financial aid, the minister informed the parliament.
Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud also said the government has also provided healthcare products, such as hand wash and hand sanitizers, for journalists at the Secretariat. Similarly, various steps have been taken to prioritize testing facilities and treatment for journalists during the pandemic.
