Government forms committee to aid journalists

The Bangladeshi government has established a nine-member selection committee tasked with providing crucial financial and medical support to journalists. This initiative aims to assist those who have been injured or killed while performing their professional duties, as well as offer medical aid to sick journalists and support for those who are disabled or facing financial hardship.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued an official order on July 27, outlining the committee's structure and functions. The managing director of the Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust will serve as the committee's chairperson. Other members include key officials from the Press Information Department and the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, the Prime Minister's Deputy Press Secretary, and a representative from the Finance Division.

The committee also includes two journalists: Mohammad Rezaul Karim (Lablu), special correspondent of the Bangla daily Desh Rupantor, and Kausar Hossain Khondaker, former city editor of daily Bangladesher Khabor. Md Abul Kalam Azad (Kalam Azad), general secretary of Bogura Press Club, will also be part of the committee. The deputy director (admin and information) of the Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust will act as the member-secretary.

This committee will operate in accordance with the Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust Rules, 2016. It will carefully consider the rationale behind recommendations and adhere to guidelines set by a sub-committee, ensuring a structured and fair process for distributing aid to journalists in need.