Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr. Jahed Ur Rahman said the ninth and tenth wage boards for journalists will be implemented together. He made the statement on Tuesday while answering journalists’ questions at a briefing held to update the public on progress in various government activities.

Asked about ensuring government benefits for journalists employed by private newspapers and television outlets, he described the matter as a “real problem.” He said the ministry was working on related issues, including the crisis in electronic media. Journalists noted that discussion followed the eighth wage board but the ninth board was not implemented, while demands for the tenth board have continued for a long time.

Ur Rahman said the government would work quickly to ensure journalists’ jobs and livelihoods, arguing that good journalism cannot be expected without such security. On a new national pay scale, he said broad salary increases could create some inflation risk, but not everyone’s pay would double. He added that Bangladesh Bank would use its policy tools to control inflation and the government would take necessary regulatory measures.