Play effective role to create politics of consensus

"Lack of consensus is one of the major obstacles towards development," he said adding that interest of the country should be placed above all.

He said this while he was talking to a delegation of the Sangbadik Sramik Karmachari Oikya Parishad (SSKOP) at the conference room of the ministry.

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The SSKOP is comprised of BFUJ, DUJ, Sangbadpatra Karmachari Federation, Federal Union of Newspapers and Press workers.

The minister said Bangladesh achieved a number of successes in various sectors including agriculture and health. Media should highlight these success stories to brighten the image of the country at home and abroad, the added.

Placing a seven-point charter of demand the SSKOP leaders urged the minister to constitute the 6th Wage Board and announce 60 percent dearness allowance immediately.

They said the 5th Wage Board Award was declared eight years back and cost of living has gone up manifold. So, it has become urgent to constitute the 6th Wage Board to protect journalists, newspaper workers and members of the electronic media from the onslaught of price-hike.

The SSKOP also demanded strict measures against the owners of the newspaper, who have not implemented the 5th Wage Board Award, but enjoying government facilities including increased rate of advertisement.

They urged the government to formulate a policy for the newspaper industry.

The minister assured them of considering their demands.

Information secretary AMM Nasiruddin, Principal Information Officer Khandker Manirul Alam, Oikya Parishad co-convenors Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury and Fazle Imam, member secretary Rubul Amin Gazi, Matiur Rahman Talukdar, Manjurul Ahsan Bulbul, Altaf Mahmud, Abdus Shahid, Shah Alamgir, Abul Hasem and Khairul Islam were present.