Rangpur: Media Reforms Commission (MRC) Chief, Kamal Ahmed, emphasized the necessity of financial security for journalists to maintain honest and objective journalism. He asserted that without ensuring financial stability, the integrity of journalism could be compromised.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Ahmed highlighted concerns over media outlets that fail to pay salaries and allowances to their employees, despite profiting from increased advertisement rates. He questioned the rationale behind allowing such outlets to operate while they neglect their financial obligations to journalists.
The observations were made during a divisional-level views exchange meeting held at the Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall, where Ahmed served as the chief guest. The event was attended by MRC members including Professor Dr. Gitiara Nasreen, Shamsul Haque Zahid, Begum Kamrunnessa Hassan, Mostafa Shabuj, and Abdullah Al Mamun.
Journalists and editors from print, electronic, and online media across the Rangpur division participated in the meeting, offering suggestions for media reforms aimed at contributing to the development of a new Bangladesh. The gathering aimed to incorporate grassroots journalist perspectives into the forthcoming MRC report, which is expected to be submitted to the interim government by mid-February.
Participants advocated for strengthening the Press Council, providing adequate training to journalists, and establishing minimum academic qualifications to professionalize the industry. They also highlighted the disparity in resources and opportunities between journalists in urban and rural areas, calling for equitable treatment across the country.
Kamal Ahmed criticized the misuse of mainstream media by corporate entities and political influences over the past 15 years, which he claimed prioritized the interests of media owners over the public. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the entrenched system of vested interests but expressed commitment to submitting recommendations to the interim government for future reference.
Ahmed concluded by underscoring the importance of implementing a minimum wage for journalists to prevent the compromise of journalistic integrity, reiterating that the work of the Media Reforms Commission is crucial for the future of the industry.