BFUJ calls 1 Nov protest, says No Wage Board, No Media Policy

A Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) Executive Committee meeting held in Coxs Bazar on Saturday.

Cox’s Bazar, Oct 25 - The Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) has announced a nationwide protest on 1 November to press home a 21-point demand, including implementation of its ‘No Wage Board, No Media’ policy and formation of the 10th Wage Board.

The decisions came from the BFUJ Executive Committee meeting held in Cox’s Bazar on Saturday, chaired by Acting President Obaidur Rahman Shahin and conducted by General Secretary Kader Gani Chowdhury.

The demands include setting Tk 35,000 as the minimum monthly salary for journalists, enforcing the 9th Wage Board, framing a journalist protection policy, declaring two weekly holidays, ensuring justice for slain journalists including Sagar and Runi, abolishing all laws restricting press freedom, and establishing a separate labour court for journalists’ dues.

Leaders from journalist unions across the country attended the meeting, calling for a comprehensive national media policy covering print, electronic, online and social media.

They said Bangladesh has nearly 50 media-related laws but still lacks an integrated framework.

The BFUJ also urged the government to implement the 9th Wage Board without delay, create a unified structure for all media platforms, and reduce the 27.5 percent corporate tax on newspapers, warning that the high tax rate could force many outlets to shut down. - UNB