DHAKA, July 19, 2026 (BSS) - Chief reporters from leading newspapers, news agencies and online media today urged the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) to strengthen its role in protecting journalists' rights by improving professional standards, expanding welfare programmes, implementing the Wage Board and providing modern, technology-based training. They made this call during an exchange meeting with chief reporters held at the DRU auditorium. The meeting was chaired by DRU President Abu Saleh Akon while General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel moderated. At the meeting, speakers stressed the urgent implementation of a new salary structure for journalists, saying, "Salaries have not increased since 2013 and the Ninth Wage Board remains unimplemented." They also called for enhanced welfare measures, including retirement benefits, healthcare facilities and stronger institutional support. Participants highlighted the need for regular training in artificial intelligence (AI), data journalism, investigative reporting, multimedia journalism and digital security to prepare journalists for the evolving media landscape.  They also urged DRU to remain politically neutral, strengthen coordination among journalists' organizations and safeguard journalists' dignity and professional security. Chief Reporters from different news media proposed a unified Wage Board for print, online and television journalists, annual dialogue sessions with chief reporters, a two-day weekly holiday for journalists, and measures to curb fake journalists. Abu Saleh Akon said the DRU would continue to play a leading role in protecting journalists' rights and addressing challenges such as low salaries, professional insecurity, attacks, legal harassment and the lack of social security through regular engagement with the government. General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel said the current committee is implementing long-term development plans, including establishing the Dhaka Reporters Unity Training Institute, a health corner. He also expressed commitment to build a modern mosque complex and sustainable income-generating initiatives.  He added that the institute would offer skill-based training for members and their children in English, information technology, AI, Chinese language and other professional fields.  

BAGERHAT, July 19, 2026 (BSS) - The foundation stone of a new four-storey dakbungalow building, to be constructed at a cost of Tk 4.55 crore, was laid today at Morelganj in Bagerhat. Bagerhat District Council Administrator Barrister Sheikh Mohammad Zakir Hossain inaugurated the construction work at a ceremony held on the Dakbungalow premises at noon. Upazila Executive Officer Habibullah, Bagerhat District BNP Member Secretary Mozaffar Rahman Alam, Morelganj Upazila BNP General Secretary Adv. Mehedi Hasan Yad, Municipal BNP President Sikder Faridul Islam, Municipal BNP General Secretary Asaduzzaman Milon, Jubo Dal Member Secretary BM Rezaul Karim Sohag, among others, were present at the function. Following the ceremony, the chief guest planted a tree on the Dakbungalow premises under an initiative of the '90s Student Forum.