For all latest news, follow the Daily Sun's Google News channel.
DRU demands reinstatement, payment of dues of 130 sacked Janakantha journalists before Eid-ul-Azha
The statement noted that ensuring the professional security and financial rights of media workers is both a moral and legal responsibility of media institutions
Daily Sun Report, Dhaka
Published: 25 May 2026, 07:41 PM
The Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) has demanded the reinstatement of 130 journalists dismissed from daily Janakantha and called for the immediate payment of their outstanding salaries, allowances and Eid bonuses before Eid-ul-Azha.
The demand was made on Monday in a joint statement
issued by DRU President Abu Saleh Akon and General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel
on behalf of the organisation’s executive committee.
The DRU leaders said it was “deeply unfortunate,
inhumane and contrary to labour laws and professional ethics” that journalists
and employees had not received their rightful dues ahead of Eid.
They said the affected journalists and staff members
have been going through severe financial and humanitarian hardship due to
long-pending unpaid salaries and allowances.
The statement noted that ensuring the professional
security and financial rights of media workers is both a moral and legal responsibility
of media institutions. However, instead of taking effective measures to clear
the arrears, the Janakantha authorities allegedly chose the path of mass
layoffs, creating deep concern and anger among journalists.
The DRU leaders demanded the immediate payment of
all outstanding salaries, allowances and Eid bonuses to the journalists and
employees, alongside the cancellation of the mass termination of 130
journalists and restoration of a normal working environment.
They also warned that tougher protest programmes
would be announced involving the wider journalist community if their demands
are not met promptly.