Information and Broadcasting Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today said the government will take all necessary initiatives to ensure the professional and social welfare of journalists.

She said due importance is being given to formulating required laws and regulations to this end.

Rizwana, also the environment, forest and climate change and water resources adviser, made the remarks while addressing a cheque distribution ceremony here.

The cheques of financial assistance under the second phase of the 2025–26 fiscal from the Bangladesh Journalists’ Welfare Trust were distributed at the conference room of the Information Building on Circuit House Road in the capital.

Speaking as the chief guest, Rizwana said just as free and fair elections play a vital role in strengthening democracy, responsible journalism based on national interest is equally essential.
 
She emphasised that journalists must perform their duties with a sense of responsibility to safeguard the interests of the people.
 
The financial assistance to journalists, she added, is part of the government’s democratic commitment. 

She also directed the authorities concerned to explore the possibility of providing such assistance directly to journalists’ bank accounts in the future and reiterated the government’s resolve to ensure an environment where journalists can work independently and freely.

Chaired by Managing Director of the Bangladesh Journalists’ Welfare Trust, Mohammad Abdullah, the event was attended, among others, by Additional Secretary (Broadcast and Press) of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Dr Mohammad Altaf-ul-Alam, Director General of Bangladesh Betar ASM Jahid, Director General of the Department of Mass Communication Md Abdul Jalil, Director General of the Press Institute Bangladesh Faruk Wasif, and Director General of the Department of Films and Publications Khaleda Begum.

At the ceremony, cheques amounting to a total of Taka 10.1 million were distributed, including Taka 0.6 million to the family members of two deceased journalists, Taka 6.9 million for medical treatment of 114 journalists, and Taka 2.6 million as financial assistance to 52 insolvent journalists.

After the programme, the adviser visited the Department of Mass Communication, the Department of Films and Publications, the Film Certification Board, the Bangladesh Journalists’ Welfare Trust, and the Press Institute Bangladesh.