An initiative has been taken to increase the allocation for the Journalist Welfare Trust from Tk 60 million to Tk 250 million, State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yaser Khan Chowdhury has said.

He said a proposal to increase the allocation for journalists’ welfare has already been submitted, and the ministry has taken a policy decision in this regard.

The state minister made the remarks while speaking at an event marking the 31st founding anniversary of the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) on Thursday (September 10).

Yaser Khan Chowdhury said, “The amount allocated to the Journalist Welfare Trust for the welfare of journalist brothers and sisters is currently Tk 6 crore. We have already proposed increasing it to Tk 25 crore.”

“If we cannot provide the full amount in this fiscal year, InshaAllah, an allocation of Tk 25 crore for our journalist brothers and sisters will be approved by the next fiscal year,” the state minister said.

Expressing his happiness at joining journalists at the DRU’s 31st founding anniversary celebration, he wished the organisation continued success and prosperity.

Earlier, Information and Broadcasting Minister Andaliv Rahman, State Minister Yaser Khan Chowdhury and other guests cut a cake to mark the DRU’s 31st founding anniversary.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Andaliv Rahman also addressed the event.