Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan has said the government has taken an initiative to introduce a retirement allowance for senior journalists to ensure their financial security.

He made the remarks on Saturday while visiting ailing journalist Ismail Hossain Negaban at Bangladesh Medical University in the capital.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan visits ailing journalist Ismail Hossain Negaban at Bangladesh Medical University in the capital

The minister said that although the media is considered the fourth pillar of a modern democratic state, many media professionals work without adequate institutional protection and face various uncertainties.

He noted that the financial security of veteran journalists had long been neglected, prompting the government to take steps to introduce retirement benefits for them.

He added that journalism is an important and respected profession, yet many senior journalists spend the final years of their lives in financial hardship.

“The government is working so that they can live with dignity,” he said.

Swapan also said the government is working on policies to ensure media freedom and responsibility, while strengthening the activities of the Journalists Welfare Trust.

He further said state support is essential to retain talented and skilled people in society, and ensuring a safe and dignified working environment for journalists remains a government priority.

During the visit, the minister handed over a cheque worth Tk100,000 in financial assistance to Ismail on behalf of the Journalists Welfare Trust.

Managing Director of the Trust Bashir Jamal and trustee board member Khondkar Kawser Hossain were also present.