An exchange meeting was held between DRU and the Chief Reporters of national dailies
By Sheikh Arif (Dhaka Bureau)
In a rapidly evolving global media landscape, Chief Reporters from Bangladesh’s leading news outlets have called for enhanced professional standards, comprehensive social security, and the development of a tech-savvy workforce proficient in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital journalism. Concurrently, they expressed deep frustration over the stagnation of wages for over a decade, demanding unified action to enforce the wage board and safeguard journalists’ dignity.
These demands and proposals were raised during an important exchange meeting organized by the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) on July 19 at the Shofiqul Kabir Auditorium. The meeting brought together Chief Reporters from various national dailies, news agencies, and online media outlets. It was presided over by DRU President Abu Saleh Akon and moderated by General Secretary Mynul Hasan Sohel.
A Decade of Economic Stagnation and Demands for Social Security
Participating in the open discussion, senior journalist and Chief Reporter of Amar Desh, M Abdullah, pointed out that journalists in Bangladesh have not seen a structured salary increase since 2013. He urged journalist organizations, including the DRU, to launch a strong movement demanding an immediate formulation of a new wage structure aligned with the latest national pay scale of government employees. Criticizing the non-implementation of the 9th Wage Board, he emphasized the necessity of securing retirement pensions and free healthcare for journalists through the Bangladesh Journalist Welfare Trust.
Shahidul Islam Khan of Ajker Patrika demanded the effective implementation of a two-day weekly holiday for journalists, while Noimuddin of RisingBD called for a unified wage board encompassing print, online, and television media. Abul Kashem of The Business Standard (TBS) stressed that the DRU must play a bolder, more independent role in defending the social status and dignity of journalists.
Navigating the Future of Journalism: The AI Challenge
Maintaining Non-Political Identity and Institutional Self-Reliance
Long-Term Vision: Launching the DRU Training Institute
In his closing remarks, DRU President Abu Saleh Akon noted that professional instability, low wages, lack of safety, legal harassment, and a deficit of social security remain the gravest concerns for working journalists today. He reaffirmed that the DRU will maintain its historically uncompromising stance, leading from the front to secure journalists’ rights, ensure professional safety, and uphold the dignity of the press.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment between the DRU executive committee and the nation’s editorial leaders to work collaboratively toward these institutional milestones.
