The Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) has urged the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to promptly establish the 10th wage board for journalists and newspaper employees.

BFUJ President Omar Faruque and Secretary-General Dip Azad, in a statement issued today, emphasized the need for immediate action on this matter.

Additionally, they called upon newspaper owners to implement the 9th wage board award and settle outstanding payments owed to journalists. The total dues amount to approximately Taka 1,100 crore, according to BFUJ.

The leaders highlighted that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had called for the formation of the 10th wage board during a BFUJ conference on November 2, 2023, at the National Press Club. This directive was also included in the Awami League's Election Manifesto-2024.

Expressing disappointment over the delay in implementing the Prime Minister's directive, the BFUJ leaders emphasized that it has been almost five years since the 9th wage board award was issued, yet many media outlets have failed to comply.

Furthermore, BFUJ urged the government to extend the wage board's coverage to television journalists, citing their dire living and working conditions due to irregularities and salary disparities.

While acknowledging the growth of visual media and the resulting employment opportunities, BFUJ underscored the need for a structured payment system for television journalists to alleviate their hardships.

The leaders also called on both the government and the Association of Television Channel Owners (ATCO) to establish a pay structure for television journalists similar to that of newspaper employees.

Finally, BFUJ urged mass media owners to disburse Eid bonuses and Boishakhi allowances to employees ahead of the Eid festival.