‘Broadcast Act’ will protect journalists’ jobs
Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud yesterday said the government will work with broadcast journalists and workers to ensure legal protection of their jobs and other facilities.
“Let’s work together to save the TV industry. The legal protection will be ensured if the Broadcast Act is passed,” he said, addressing a meeting to discuss problems in the broadcast media.
Broadcast Journalist Centre (BJC) and Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB) jointly organised the discussion with PIB Director General Zafar Wazed in the chair.
He said Awami League gave the first private TV licence in 1996. “Now around 34 private TV channels are on air while 44 channels got licences.”
As the industry flourished, Hasan Mahmud said some problems were created, including the fall in advertisement and its rate in TV media. Now the industry needs combined efforts to sustain itself.
The minister said, “I’m working relentlessly for the betterment of the journalists after taking charge of the ministry. But I need all out support from all stakeholders. It’s our responsibility to give protection to journalists as they are the mirror of society.”
Hasan said, “After the digitalisation of this sector, the interest of the country’s media and its employees will be ensured.”
He said discipline has been established in the electronic media sector following different steps. The government will take actions if there is any irregularity. He also said airing Bangladeshi advertisements in foreign channels has been stopped.
Senior journalist Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, BFUJ President Molla Jalal, DUJ General Secretary Sohel Haider Chowdhury, BJC trustees Mozammel Babu, Munni Shaha, Mamunur Rahman Khan and BJC Chairman Rezaun Haque Raza also spoke.
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