FROM PAGE 3

petitions related to the implementation of the 9th Wage Board are ongoing.

He made these remarks in response to a question from opposition MP Sheikh Manjurul Haque Rahad during the parliamentary session chaired by Deputy Speaker Kaiser Kamal.

Answering another question from ruling party MP Mohammad Ali Asgar, the minister said, “To ensure media freedom, the Press Council Act of 1974 is being updated to make the Press Council stronger, more effective, and media-friendly.”

He added that the Journalist Welfare Trust is providing assistance to journalists who are unable to work, suffering from physical or mental illness, or unable to afford medical treatment while also recognising special contributions to journalism.

Up to March of FY 2025-2026, financial grants have been given to 1,110 unwell, insolvent, and injured journalists and to families of deceased journalists. In addition, scholarships worth Tk 73.26 lakh have been awarded to meritorious children of 402 journalists. During Ramadan 2026, iftar and Eid gifts worth Tk 1.12 crore were distributed among 2,000 journalist families.

In response to a question from Chandpur-2 MP Jalal Uddin, the minister said currently there are four state-owned TV channels in Bangladesh. Out of 55 approved private TV channels, 37 are in full operation. No new TV channel approvals are pending. Future applications will be processed according to regulations.