The High Court on Sunday ruled that the owners of newspapers and other media institutions will have to pay the income tax of journalists and other employees of that organization.
A High Court bench of Justice Md Ashfaqul Islam and Justice Md Shohrowardi passed the order.
Lawyer Didarul Alam Didar said that according to the 9th Wage Board Award, the High Court has ruled that the owners of media organizations will pay the income tax of journalists, press workers, and administrative officers of that workplace.
At the same time, the court declared the decision of the cabinet committee on income tax and gratuity illegal.
According to chapter 12 of the cabinet committee recommendations for the Ninth Wage Board, income tax levied on the salaries of journalists, press workers and administrative employees have to be paid from their respective income.
Journalists, press workers and administrative employees working at newspapers and news agencies of all categories will get a yearly gratuity equal to his one month of basic salary based on his last month's draw, for his service ranging six months or more.
Mohammad Mahbubuzzaman, general secretary of the Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), filed a writ in the High Court on November 23, 2020, challenging the provision of this condition by the cabinet.
