Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon announced that the government is working to introduce a retirement allowance to ensure financial security for senior journalists in Bangladesh. He made the statement on Saturday while visiting veteran journalist and former Barishal Press Club president Ismail Hossain Negaban, who is undergoing treatment at Bangladesh Medical University.

The minister said that although the media is considered the fourth pillar of a modern democratic state, journalists still lack institutional protection, leaving many in uncertainty. He noted that financial security for senior journalists has long been neglected and emphasized that journalism is a respected profession, yet many senior journalists face hardship in their later years. The government’s initiative aims to help them live with dignity.

Swapon added that the government is also working on policies to ensure media freedom and responsibility and to strengthen the Journalist Welfare Trust. During the visit, he handed over a financial assistance cheque of one lakh taka to Negaban on behalf of the trust.