The government will work to implement the journalist-related recommendations proposed by the Media Reform Commission, said Information and Broadcasting Adviser Mahfuj Alam on Saturday.

“If journalists had received their salaries and allowances regularly, the need for welfare grants might not have arisen,” he remarked while speaking at a cheque distribution event organised by the Bangladesh Journalists’ Welfare Trust in the capital.  

Speaking as a special guest, Information Secretary Mahbuba Farjana said the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting continues to work for journalists' welfare.

The event provided financial aid to the families of deceased journalists and those who are ill or financially insolvent.  "Initiatives will be taken to make journalism journalist-friendly by talking to media owners, editors and other stakeholders," he said.

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The adviser also assured necessary measures to expand the scope of the Bangladesh Journalists’ Welfare Trust.

Emphasising responsible journalism, she urged journalists to combat rumours and misinformation while ensuring the dissemination of objective news that safeguards national interests.

Presided over by Bangladesh Journalists’ Welfare Trust Managing Director Muhammad Abdullah, the event was also attended by Media Reform Commission chief Kamal Ahmed, Jatiya Press Club General Secretary Ayub Bhuiyan, and journalists Muhammad Khairul Bashar, Sajid Arafat and Mir Mushfiq Ahsan.

A total of Tk 1 crore 93 lakh 90 thousand in grants were distributed among 374 journalists and their family members. Among them, 11 families of deceased journalists received financial aid, while 192 journalists suffering from critical illnesses were among the recipients.