Chief reporters from various national newspapers, news agencies, and online media outlets in Bangladesh have called for the professional development of journalists, expansion of welfare activities, implementation of the wage board, and modernization of the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU). The appeal was made on Sunday during a views-exchange meeting at the DRU’s Shafiqul Kabir Auditorium, presided over by DRU President Abu Saleh Akon and conducted by General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel. Participants emphasized the need for effective DRU action to protect journalists’ rights and dignity, and to build skilled manpower in artificial intelligence (AI) and technology-driven journalism.

Speakers including M Abdullah of Amar Desh, Siddiq Islam of Financial Express, and others stressed aligning journalists’ pay with the new government pay scale, ensuring retirement benefits and free healthcare, and providing AI-based training. They also urged maintaining DRU’s non-political image and strengthening coordination among journalist organizations. The DRU leadership announced plans to establish a modern mosque complex, health corner, and the Dhaka Reporters Unity Training Institute to offer training in AI, data journalism, and digital security.

The DRU’s upcoming training institute will also provide language and technology courses for members and their children, aiming to enhance professional and digital skills.