Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Saturday said the government is working to introduce a retirement allowance to ensure financial security for senior journalists.

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

“As the issue of financial insecurity among senior journalists has long been overlooked the current government has taken initiatives to introduce retirement benefits for journalists so they can live with dignity in their later years,” said the minister.

The minister said although the media is regarded as the fourth pillar of a modern democratic state journalists often work without institutional protection, leaving them in uncertain conditions.

 “Journalism is a very important and respected profession. But unfortunately many senior journalists spend the final stage of their lives in financial hardship. The government is working to address this situation so that they can live with dignity,” he said.

He also said the government is formulating policies to ensure media freedom and responsibility while strengthening the activities of the Journalists Welfare Trust.

The minister said the government support is essential to retain talented individuals in society and that ensuring a safe and dignified working environment for professionals like journalists remains a priority.

During the visit, he handed over a cheque of Tk 100,000 as financial assistance to the ailing journalist on behalf of the Journalists Welfare Trust.