Media Employees Bill - It does not assure job security, rights: TIB

Although the bill mentions the need to ensure legal protection and rights of media workers, it is not reflected in reality, rather the draft law is discriminatory.

— Iftekharuzzaman, TIB Executive Director

The proposed "Mass Media Employees (Services Conditions) Bill 2022" does not guarantee job security, related benefits and rights of media workers, said Transparency International Bangladesh yesterday.

Expressing its initial response to the bill placed in Jatiya Sangsad, TIB in a statement demanded active participation of media people and other stakeholders to amend the draft law.

"Although the bill mentions the need to ensure legal protection and rights of media workers, it is not reflected in reality, rather the draft law is discriminatory," said TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman.

Considering the role and duties of the media, there is no reflection of the special factors the job of media workers demands. Iftekharuzzaman said section 12 of the bill gives media owners the right to lay off additional staff.

He added that section 14 contains a dangerous provision to dismiss workers for misconduct, without providing any definition.

The executive director said, "Article 25 does not make formation of minimum-wage board compulsory; it is at the government's discretion." Similarly, formation of future funds has been left to owners' discretion.

In such a scenario, TIB hopes that the ministry concerned will start work on drafting the bill afresh, and active participation of journalists and other stakeholders in this process must be ensured.