Stop unethical pressure on media: DUJ
The journalists were called on to be united for the collection of arrears of salaries and allowances
Journalist leaders at a programme have expressed their concerns over the 'unethical' pressure on the media.
"The unethical pressure on the media is worrying. I demand the implementation of the Ninth Wage Board in all the media of the country," said Quddus Afrad, the president of the Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ), at a meeting of the DUJ Executive Council on Thursday.
He also strongly condemned the recklessness of hiring journalists without appointment letters.
In his introductory speech, DUJ General Secretary Sajjad Alam Khan Tapu said, "On the pretext of Covid-19 pandemic, many media houses are trying to reduce salaries, lay off employees and force employees to go on compulsory leave."
He called upon the journalists to unite for the collection of arrears of salaries and allowances.
Journalist leaders further said such nefarious conspiracies are a ploy to create instability in society. The owner has to take the responsibility for creating instability in the industry and society. In the current situation, it is important to take integrated initiatives to protect the media industry, including job security for journalists.
They urged the government to take immediate actions in this regard.
At the beginning of the meeting, a minute of silence was observed in honour of the late journalist leader Jahar Lal Chandra Das and his career was discussed.
From the DUJ, its Vice President MA Quddus, Joint Secretary Khairul Alam, Treasurer Ashraful Islam, Organising Secretary A Jihadur Rahman Jihad, Publicity Secretary Ashaduzzaman, Sports and Cultural Secretary Dulal Khan, Public Welfare Secretary Soheli Chowdhury, Office Secretary Chowdhury Jannatul Ferdous, Executive Council Members Suraiya Anu, GM Masud Dhali, Ibrahim Khalil Khokon, Shahnaz Parveen Ellis, Raju Hamid, Salimullah Selim, Ajit Kumar Mahaldar, Jubayer Rahman Chowdhury, and New Nation Unit Chief Hemayet Hossain, Janata Unit Chief Ataur Rahman Jewel, Janakantha Unit Chief Rajon Bhattacharya, RTV Unit Chief Saikhul Islam Ujjwal and others were present at the meeting.