The Labour Reform Commission has recommended introducing risk allowance, insurance, and pension schemes for journalists in Bangladesh.

The commission submitted its report to Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus on Monday (April 22) at the state guest house Jamuna.

The 10-member commission is led by Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed, Executive Director of the Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS).

In its recommendations, the commission called for a separate law or a new chapter in the existing labour law for all media workers, based on the Newspaper Employees (Conditions of Service) Act, 1974. It suggested expanding the definition of “newspaper workers” to “media workers” to include those in online, radio, and television platforms.

It also recommended making appointment letters mandatory for all journalists and enforcing specific working hours, holidays, and maternity leave for female journalists.

The commission further advised that those working behind the camera should be officially recognised as photojournalists. To ensure regular payment of salaries, it proposed that media owners must submit monthly wage records to the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments.

Additionally, the commission recommended reforming the Journalist Welfare Trust so it can effectively serve the well-being of all journalists.

BDST: 1826 HRS, April 22, 2025
MSK