The Commission for Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals has made its complaint mechanism operational with immediate effect. Journalists and media professionals can now submit complaints manually until the online Complaint Management Portal of commission is fully launched.
The decision was taken at the third meeting of the commission, held on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting under Chairman Kamal Uddin Tipu.
Members agreed that manual submission would serve as an interim arrangement, allowing the commission to begin addressing grievances before the online system is ready.
The meeting confirmed the minutes of the second session and reviewed progress on earlier decisions. The commission also decided to coordinate with relevant stakeholders on the safety, protection, training and welfare of media workers under the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act, 2021.
A representative of the Ministry of Human Rights offered support in drafting the commission’s rules and in developing mechanisms for periodic performance assessment and key performance indicators.
Participants discussed the definitions of “journalist” and “media professional” under the 2021 Act, stressing that clarity is needed for the commission to handle complaints within its statutory mandate.
They also reviewed job security, delayed and unpaid salaries, welfare arrangements, and life and health insurance provided by media organisations, along with available safety mechanisms and training facilities.
The meeting agreed to strengthen coordination and consultation with stakeholders to improve implementation of the law and protection mechanisms for media workers.
The commission’s five committees will finalise their recommendations before the next meeting. They are working on rules formulation, complaint handling, training and welfare, the commission’s activity plan, and the annual report.
