Bashir Jamal, Managing Director of the Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust (BJWT), distributed cheques for financial assistance to journalists at the Chattogram Press Club today. Photo: BSS

CHATTOGRAM, Mar 28, 2026 (BSS)- Bashir Jamal, Managing Director of the Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust (BJWT) said the government is considering new initiatives for welfare of journalists in the country. 

He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is exploring ways to enhance the accommodations and dignity of journalists.

He said this while distributing cheques of financial assistance to journalist and scholarships for their journalists at Chattogram Press Club here today.

A total of 39 journalists from Chattogram and Rangamati districts received the grants and scholarships. 

Jamal highlighted the steps taken by BNP government during its current and previous regime for welfare of journalists. 

Former President Ziaur Rahman has taken initiatives for housing facilities of the journalists in Dhaka, a practice also continued by Begum Khaleda Zia government, he said.

Jamal praised the government for being journalist-friendly and mentioned that various initiatives are being taken for the welfare of journalists.

Referring to Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan, the BJWT MD also said the government is considering pension for senior journalists, health cards for sick journalists.

He expressed hope that the government will take steps to improve the quality of life of journalists. 

Mohammad Shahnowaz, President of the Chattogram Metropolitan Journalists Union (CMUJ), presided over the function while Saleh Noman, General Secretary of CMUJ, moderated.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Chattogram Md. Sharif Uddin, Press Club President Zahidul Karim Kochi, General Secretary Golam Maula Murad, Joint Secretary Meah Mohammad Arif, Bureau Chief of Amar Desh Patrika Sohag Kumar Biswas, journalists Saiful Islam Shilpi and Rubel Khan were present on the occasion.