Journalist leaders of Chattogram Union of Journalists (CUJ) on Wednesday have given an ultimatum to implement their six-point demands by December 15 next.
The leaders said that the newspaper owners should implement the demands by December 15. Otherwise, they would announce tougher movement.
They said thisat a protest rally demanding wage board, regular increments, and dearness allowances, fair dues, granting appointment letters and not creating obstacles in the trade union activities.
CUJ President Tapan Chakraborty presided over the rally while Joint Secretary Saidul Islam moderated the procession in- front- of Chattogram Press Club on Thursday morning.
CUJ Former President of Chattogram Press Club Ali Abbas, CUJ General Secretary M Shamsul Islam, CUJ former Presidents Mostak Ahmad and NazimuddinShyamal, Senior Vice-President Rubel Khan, Former Joint Secretary RatanKantiDebashish, Former President SaburShuvo, Treasurer Md. Mujahidul Islam, Organising Secretary Mohammad Mohram Hossain, Publicity and Publication Secretary Sarwar Kamal, Former Publicity and Publication Secretary Ahmed Kutub, Executive Member Alauddin Hossain Dulal, DainikSuprabhat Bangladesh Unit Chief Ibrahim, Unit Chief SarwarulAlamSohail, TV Unit Chief MdTawhidulAlam and Deputy Unit Chief Dipankar Das, Daily Purbakon Unit Chief MihrajRaihan, Deputy Unit Chief Nazim Uddin, Daily Purbadesh Unit Chief JivakBaruaand Council Unit Deputy Chief Omar Faruquealso spoke, among others.
CUJ General Secretary M Shamsul Islam said that we took to the streets with our six-point demands. Chattogram Newspaper Owners Association signed an agreement with CUJ in 2015 to implement the 8th wage board, but they violated most of its terms.
“Many of our colleagues are not getting wages and other benefits as per the 8th Wage Board. But the Newspaper Owners Association promised to bring everyone under the wage board in phases. Besides these, the annual increment of the journalists has also been stopped.’ M Shamsul Islam categorically said.
CUJ President Tapan Chakraborty said, "We have launched a movement seeking implementation of our six-point demands and against obstacles in trade union activities."
‘We will not step back from the movement until our demands are fulfilled. If the newspaper owners of Chattogram do not accept our demands by December 15, then we will announce strict programmes.’ CUJ President added.
Chattogram Press Club Vice-President ManjurQuaderManju, Treasurer Rashed Mahmud, Hospitality and Social Services Secretary Al Rahman, Publicity and Publication Secretary KhorshedulAlamShamim, Executive Member Ayub Ali took part in the rally.
