Leaders of Sangbadik Sramik Karmachari Oikya Parishnd (SSKOP) yesterday protested the joint statement by Bangladesh Sangbadpatra Parishad (BSP) and Newspaper Owners Association of Bangladesh (Noab) on the 6th Wage Board for journalists and employees of newspapers and news agencies.

The two associations are showing disregard for the law, because as per the law only the government can form the Wage Board, the SSKOP leaders said at a meeting at the National Press Club.

Expressing their determination to realise their seven-point demand, the leaders said the 6th Wage Board would be fprmed under the law like the previous five Wage Boards.

They also urged the journalists and employees to observe the 24-hour strike on January 2 and join a grand conferertce at the National Press Club at 11.00am on the day.

The leaders also threatened to announce a decisive programme if the government fails to form the 6th Wage Board by January 2.

SSKOP leaders Gias Kamal Chowdhury, Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, Fazle imam, Ruhul Amin Gazi, Matiur Rahman , Talukder, Manzurul Ahsan Bulbul, Abul Hashem, Khairul Islam. Altaf Mahmud, Elahi Newaj Khan, Shah Alamgir and Abdus Shaheed attended the meeting.

An extended meeting of the SSKOP will be held at the National Press Club at 3.00pm today.