Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan spoke during a discussion with photojournalists at the Photojournalist Association auditorium in the capital on Wednesday. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, April 15, 2026 (BSS) - Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon today said the government is working to formulate a wage board and a structured pay scale for journalists through consultations with media owners to ensure fair salaries and professional dignity.

He made the remarks while addressing a views-exchange meeting with photojournalists at the Bangladesh Photo Journalists Association auditorium in the capital.

The meeting was chaired by association president AKM Mohsin and addressed, among others, by Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury, Bangladesh Photojournalist Association General Secretary Babul Talukdar and Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) President Shahidul Islam.

Swapon said that if the media is treated as an industry, recruitment and operational activities must comply with relevant laws. He added that while investors must safeguard their investments, workers' rights must also be ensured, and expressed hope for a balanced solution.

Referring to rapid technological changes, he said modern devices now combine the functions of television, radio, camera and computer, urging photojournalists to upgrade their skills accordingly.

He also stressed the need for a dedicated training institute and suggested transforming the association's building into a modern training centre to strengthen professional capacity.

Highlighting the role of the media in safeguarding democracy, he warned that fascism can emerge like a contagion and called on journalists to remain vigilant.

He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is highly conscious of the issue and, even before forming the government, instructed MPs and ministers not to take undue privileges such as permits, cars or plots, reflecting a firm stance against the abuse of power.

Criticizing the previous Awami League government, he said those who claimed legitimacy in the political context of 2009 could not withstand the situation of August 5, 2024.

He also assured that justice would be ensured for journalists who were repressed and lost their lives during fascist actions.

Managing Director of Bangladesh Journalist Welfare Trust Mohammad Abdul Basir (Basir Jamal), Principal Information Officer (PIO) of the Press Information Department (PID) Yeakub Ali, and other journalist leaders were also present.

The meeting discussed professional development, training and various demands of photojournalists in detail.