DHAKA, Nov 25, 2020 (BSS) – The High Court today issued a rule
asking authorities concerned to explain as to why it shall no declare
illegal and beyond legal jurisdiction the recommendation made in 9th
Wage Board Award for journalists and workers of newspapers and news
agencies, regarding income tax and gratuity.
A High Court division virtual bench comprising Justice Md Mozibur
Rahman Miah and Justice Mohi Uddin Shamim issued the rule, after
holding primary hearing on a writ filed in this regard.
The court in it rule asked cabinet, information and labour
secretaries to reply its order in four weeks.
According to the chapter 12 of the cabinet committee
recommendations for the Ninth Wage Board, income tax levied on the
salaries of journalists, press workers and administrative employees
have to be paid from their respective income.
Journalists, press workers and administrative employees working at
newspapers and news agencies of all categories will get yearly
gratuity equal to his one month of basic salary based on his last
month’s draw, for his service ranging six months or more.
Mohammad Mahbubuzzaman, general secretary of the Bangladesh Sangbad
Sangstha-BSS Employees’ Union, filed the writ petition on November 22,
challenging the said two provisions of the Ninth Wage Board in the
concerned branch of the High Court.
Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Mohammad Kamrul Islam (Milon) appeared
on behalf of the petitioner.