The Bangladesh Mofossol Journalists Forum (BMSF) has submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister demanding the enactment of a Journalist Protection Law and state recognition of “National Media Week” from May 1–7.
The memorandum was handed over on Monday (April 13) at around 5:00 PM through the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Debidwar, Rakibul Islam.
The program, attended by grassroots-level journalists, highlighted key issues including journalists’ rights, professional dignity, and the need for official state recognition.
The event was led by ABM Atikur Rahman Bashar, former advisor of the BMSF central committee and President of Debidwar Press Club. Journalists from various media outlets were also present.
According to the memorandum, although the media plays a vital role as the fourth pillar of the state in ensuring democracy, good governance, and public interest, journalists in Bangladesh are still deprived of proper state recognition and protection.
In this context, an initiative has been taken to observe the “10th National Media Week 2026” from May 1 to 7. The memorandum states that official recognition of this week would enhance the professional dignity of journalists and strengthen media freedom and accountability.
It also উল্লেখ that while various professional weeks are officially observed in the country, no such উদ্যোগ exists for journalists. The absence of a clear policy framework, protection law, official journalist database, and a separate government department has left journalists facing multiple challenges.
The memorandum further expressed concern that World Press Freedom Day (May 3) is not officially observed in Bangladesh and called for its proper state recognition.
In conclusion, the journalist leaders urged the Prime Minister to take necessary steps to grant official recognition to “National Media Week” and to ensure legal protection for journalists. They expressed hope that, with the Prime Minister’s intervention, journalists in the country will regain their rightful status, safety, and professional dignity.
