The State Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Yasser Khan Chowdhury, has called upon artists, writers, and media professionals to remain vocal and united so that fascism cannot return to Bangladesh. He issued the appeal during a meeting with the preparatory committee for the Television and Online Platform Directors, Writers, Artists, and Technicians Welfare Trust at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s conference room at the Secretariat on Sunday, 15 November.
Addressing the cultural practitioners present at the gathering, the State Minister emphasised the need for collective effort to uphold democracy and voting rights across the nation. He stated that the return of fascism would once again obstruct the country’s democratic progress. According to Mr Chowdhury, failing to prevent such a resurgence would amount to a betrayal of the sacrifices made by those who laid down their lives for democracy and franchise. He urged those in the creative sector not only to stay alert themselves but also to actively engage wider society in safeguarding these values.
Cultural workers and media professionals in Bangladesh have long sought institutional financial protection, particularly given the freelance and irregular nature of work in television and digital media. Responding to the committee’s demand for a dedicated welfare trust for television and online platform directors, writers, artists, and technicians, the State Minister assured them that the process to establish the body would commence promptly.
To move the initiative forward, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting plans to hold discussions with the Ministry of Finance. However, Mr Chowdhury noted that inter-ministerial deliberation is also required to determine whether the proposed trust should operate under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting or the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.
He pointed out that any welfare trust established by the government must strictly adhere to existing state policies, rules, and regulatory frameworks. In designing its administrative structure and governing committee, authorities could draw upon the operational experience of established bodies such as the Bangladesh Journalist Welfare Trust and other state-run welfare foundations.
The State Minister acknowledged that feedback and recommendations from industry stakeholders are vital to shaping the trust effectively, assuring the committee that their proposals would be thoroughly reviewed. While noting that full implementation cannot be achieved overnight, Mr Chowdhury reiterated the government’s commitment to initiating the groundwork without delay and completing the formation process within the shortest possible timeframe.
