Safety net expands for journalists
Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust, operating under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, has long been providing financial assistance to indigent, injured and deceased journalists and their families. Managing Director Mohammad Abdul Basir (Basir Jamal), who joined the Trust on 11 March 2026, outlines his plans to modernise the organisation and expand welfare support in an exclusive interview with The New Nation (NN).
NN: You assumed office on 11 March 2026. What are your immediate priorities?
Basir Jamal: My first priority is to modernise the Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust and make its services more accessible to journalists across the country. We have already taken steps to launch an integrated web portal and mobile application so that journalists can apply for assistance online, track their applications and access services easily.
This digital transformation will reduce delays, increase transparency and ensure that journalists from outside Dhaka receive support without unnecessary complications. Our aim is to create a fast, efficient and technology-driven welfare system.
NN: What new welfare initiatives are being planned?
Basir Jamal: We are working on introducing a monthly allowance for senior and financially distressed journalists, which will be implemented after receiving approval from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Another major initiative is the introduction of group health and life insurance policies for journalists. At present, assistance is largely provided through one-time grants, but insurance coverage will ensure long-term financial security and medical protection for journalists and their families.
This will be a significant step in strengthening the overall welfare structure.
NN: How will you ensure transparency and accountability in the Trust’s operations?
Basir Jamal: Transparency is essential to building confidence among journalists. We plan to publish a detailed annual report on all financial assistance and donations so that everyone can clearly see how funds are distributed.
We will also introduce a predetermined scoring system to select beneficiaries, ensuring that truly needy journalists receive priority. In addition, we are encouraging the formation of district-level committees to properly identify distressed journalists at the grassroots level.
These measures will help ensure fairness, accountability and public trust in the Trust’s activities.
NN: What recent assistance has the Trust provided?
Basir Jamal: Recently, cheques worth Tk 2 crore 40 lakh 50 thousand were distributed among 433 journalists in Dhaka, including families of seven deceased journalists and 151 sick and helpless journalists. Cheque distribution is continuing in other districts as well.
We have requested all concerned authorities to assist in forming district committees so that genuinely indigent and sick journalists can be properly identified and supported.
NN: Could you highlight the Trust’s overall contributions in recent years?
Basir Jamal: Since its establishment, the Trust has provided Tk 58 crore 59 lakh 12 thousand in financial assistance to 15,764 journalists and their families.
In the fiscal years 2024-2025 and 2025-2026, 1,109 meritorious children of journalists received scholarships worth Tk 2 crore 1 lakh 22 thousand through three instalments.
Six journalists injured during the 13th National Parliament election received financial support after vetting, while six journalists martyred during the July Movement were given Tk 3 lakh each, totallingTk 18 lakh.
At the July Rejuvenation Ceremony 2025, 192 injured journalists were awarded Tk 48 lakh along with certificates and honorary crests. The Trust has also published a document highlighting journalists who were killed and persecuted under the previous regime.
NN: What social welfare programmes have been undertaken?
Basir Jamal: In the 2024-2025 fiscal year, around 1,500 journalists and their families received Iftar and Eid items worth Tk 69.29 lakh. Similar support was provided during the last Ramadan of the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
These initiatives reflect our commitment to standing beside journalists not only in times of crisis but also during important social and religious occasions.
NN: What is your long-term vision for the Trust?
Basir Jamal: My vision is to transform the Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust into a modern, transparent and sustainable welfare institution that ensures dignity, financial security and social protection for journalists.
Through digital services, insurance coverage, monthly allowances and transparent governance, we aim to build a reliable support system for journalists across Bangladesh and strengthen the welfare structure of the profession.
