Journalists need financial protection: Press Council Chairman at Sreemangal

Published : Sunday, 14 September, 2025 at 5:24 PM Count : 112

Bangladesh Press Council Chairman, Justice AKM Abdul Hakim said, 'Despite working in newspapers, many have to return empty-handed from their organizations at the end of their lives. In the case of some, it is seen that no appointment letter is given, there is no oath of journalism and some spend their lives working without pay. They do not even get the minimum legal facilities. Journalists are also not aware of these matters. In such a situation of the media in the country, financial protection of journalists is very necessary.'

He made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a seminar and exchange meeting of the Bangladesh Press Council on preventing mis-journalism in the media and presenting objective news in Sreemangal.

The meeting was held on Sunday (September 14, 2025) at 10 am in the conference room of Sreemangal Municipality under the chairmanship of Upazila Executive Officer Md. Islam Uddin and moderated by Bangladesh Press Council Superintendent Md. Sakhawat Hossain.

In this meeting, Secretary (Deputy Secretary) of the Press Council, Abdus Sabur, as a resource person, discussed the importance of adhering to the code of conduct formulated by the Press Council in disseminating objective news. Sub-Inspector of Sreemangal Police Station, Nripendra Biswas, also spoke.

At this time, Sreemangal correspondent of the English daily 'The Financial Post' Syed Amiruzzaman and acting president of Sreemangal Press Club A F M Abdul Hye Don, along with more than fifty journalists from print and electronic media of Sreemangal Press Club and Upazila Press Club participated in the seminar and exchange of views.

Justice A K M Abdul Hakim further said, 'The profession of journalism must be given a place above party politics. The media must renounce the dissemination of its own opinions. If the dignity of journalists cannot be ensured, the media cannot be practically turned into the fourth pillar of the state.'

Regarding the division in the country's journalist community, the chairman of the Bangladesh Press Council said, "Wherever I go in the country, I see multiple press clubs."

There are eight press clubs in Sylhet. I have received information about 18 press clubs in Jessore. Seven press clubs in Sunamganj. Sreemangal and Moulvibazar are exceptions.

However, the press club is a social organization where journalists meet, exchange views, and build empathy and camaraderie. There is no barrier to practicing journalism without being a member of the press club. Excessive division harms professional journalism. Journalists should be more focused on their professional responsibilities and acquire their own skills and knowledge.

Justice A K M Abdul Hakim also said that work is underway to compile a list of journalists to prevent misreporting. For this, a policy has been formulated stating the educational qualifications of journalists, including a degree pass, and sent to the government for approval.

He said, "Yellow journalism is a vicious wound of society. To prevent it, journalists must practice objective journalism."

Calling for reporting news with social responsibility, Press Council Chairman Justice A K M Abdul Hakim emphasized on the need for journalists to study to gain awareness and skills.

It discussed the application of the Press Council Act 1974 in practicing responsible and professional journalism by avoiding un-journalism, the 25 amended sections of the Code of Conduct for Journalists of 2002, and the Press Appeal Board regarding the rights of journalists.

The seminar and discussion meeting was attended by the question and answer session of the Daily Jugantor correspondent and joint editor of Sreemangal Press Club Syed Abu Jafar Salauddin, the Daily Ittefaq correspondent and former treasurer of Sreemangal Press Club Syed Sayed Ahmed, and the Daily Khola Kagoj correspondent and treasurer of Sreemangal Press Club Ehsan Bin Muzahir.

FP/MI