The government is working to clearly define journalists, ensure their professional welfare, implement the Wage Board and protect their rights, State Minister for the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Yaser Khan Chowdhury has said.
He said clear definitions of “journalist” and “mass media” are necessary to ensure that genuine journalists receive their rightful rights and benefits, while those who are not journalists cannot access benefits from the Journalist Welfare Trust.
The state minister made the remarks at a consultation meeting on the draft Cyber Security (Amendment) Act, 2026 on Monday. A presentation based on feedback from the previous meeting was also made at the event.
Yaser Khan stressed the need to formulate an acceptable framework through consultations with relevant institutions and journalists’ organisations to ensure journalists’ Wage Board benefits, professional rights and welfare.
He said ensuring that assistance from the Journalist Welfare Trust reaches genuine journalists was equally important.
“This requires clear criteria for determining who qualifies as a journalist and who does not,” he said.
The state minister also proposed developing a clear framework for professional recognition of journalists and sought specific suggestions from journalists’ organisations on whether a system similar to the Bar Council could be introduced.
Information and Broadcasting Ministry Public Relations Officer Imranul Hasan said RTV Head of News Ilias Hossain, Ekushey Television CEO Abdus Salam, Independent Television CEO Mostafa Akmal, Dr Shakhawat Hossain Sayanto, former president of Economic Reporters Forum Sharmin Rinvi, Manabzamin Editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, National Press Club President Hasan Hafiz, Prothom Alo Executive Editor Sazzad Sharif, UNB Deputy Editor Masudul Haque, Amar Desh Managing Editor Zahed Chowdhury and The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, among others, also spoke at the meeting.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed also spoke at the meeting.
Information and Broadcasting Ministry Secretary Mahbuba Farzana, Information and Communication Technology Division Secretary Md Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan, and relevant officials were also present.
