The Media Reform Commission has recommended that the minimum salary for an entry-level journalist be equivalent to that of a BCS (Bangladesh Civil Service) grade 9 officer. 

This recommendation was made in the Commission’s report, which was handed over to Chief Adviser Prof. Mohammed Yunus on Saturday at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka.

According to the national pay scale of 2015, a grade 9 BCS officer's basic salary is Tk 22,000, which, with house rent and allowances, exceeds Tk 35,000. 

The report suggests that this salary standard be adopted nationwide for entry-level journalists, with adjustments made for those living in Dhaka due to higher living costs.

Kamal Ahmed, head of the 11-member Media Reform Commission, also emphasized the need for a law protecting journalists' rights, and a draft of such a law was included in the report. 

The Commission stressed that journalists must hold a graduate qualification.

The interim government formed the Media Reform Commission in November 2024 to promote a more independent and strengthened media sector following the student-led uprising that led to the fall of the Awami League government.    

BDST: 2032 HRS, MAR 22, 2025
MN