Govt plans pension scheme for veteran journalists: Info Minister

The government has taken steps to introduce a pension scheme for veteran journalists to ensure their financial security, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon said.

He made the announcement while visiting ailing journalist Ismail Hossain Negaban at Bangladesh Medical University on Saturday (April 18).

The minister said that although the media is considered the fourth pillar of a modern democratic state, many journalists—particularly in their later years—face financial uncertainty due to a lack of institutional support.

“Journalism is a highly important and respected profession, yet many senior journalists struggle financially in the last phase of their lives. The government is working to ensure they can live with dignity,” he said.

Swapon added that efforts are also underway to strengthen policies ensuring media freedom and responsibility, alongside expanding the activities of the Journalist Welfare Trust.

Later, on behalf of the trust, the minister handed over a cheque of Tk 1,00,000 as financial assistance to the ailing journalist.