Information minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said that the process of forming the 10th Wage Board for newspaper would begin very soon.
Responding to a question from opposition lawmaker Sheikh Monjurul Haque Rahad during the Jatiya Sangsad session chaired by deputy speaker Kayser Kamal, the minister said that the 9th newspaper wage board had been published in the Bangladesh Gazette on September 12, 2019.
However, it has yet to be implemented due to disagreements between journalists and newspaper owners over income tax issues.
Information minister said that six writ and civil petitions relating to the matter were currently pending before the courts.
In reply to another question from opposition lawmaker Nurul Islam, the minister outlined a series of initiatives aimed at improving journalists’ safety, professional capacity, and working conditions.
These included the establishment of a journalist protection support cell, legal and technological assistance in cases of threats, attacks or digital harassment, and special support for women journalists.
Plans also included digital security training, emergency welfare assistance, district-level protection measures, and a coordinated support framework involving relevant agencies.
Answering a query from ruling party lawmaker Mohammad Ali Asgar, the information minister said that steps were under way to modernise the Press Council Act of 1974.
‘The aim is to strengthen the council and transform it into a more effective and media-friendly institution, ensuring greater freedom for newspapers and journalists, he said.
The minister said that the Journalist Welfare Trust continued to provide assistance to journalists who are unable to work due to physical or mental illness, as well as recognising outstanding contributions to the profession.
Up to March of the 2025–26 financial year, a total of 1,110 journalists and families of deceased journalists had received financial support, he said.
Responding to a question from Chandpur-2 lawmaker Jalal Uddin, the minister said Bangladesh currently had four state-owned television channels.
‘Although 55 private channels have been approved, only 37 are in full operation. No new applications for television channel licences are pending at present,’ the minister said.
In response to a question from opposition lawmaker Abdul Alim, the information minister said that the Bangladesh Press Council was planning to introduce minimum educational qualifications for journalists and create an online database.
The move was intended to enhance professional standards, ensure recognition for genuine journalists, and curb the rise of fraudulent practices in the industry, he clarified.
