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The closure follows protests over unpaid wages and employee demands
Published : 20 Jan 2025, 10:56 PM
Bhorer Kagoj, a Bengali-language daily newspaper from the early 1990s, has announced its closure.
A notice regarding the closure was posted at the main gate of the organisation’s office in Dhaka’s Malibagh on Monday.
"The authorities of Bhorer Kagoj have decided to close the newspaper's main office from 20-01-2025 under Section 12 of the Bangladesh Labour Act 2006, due to reasons beyond the owner's control."
Executive Editor of Bhorer Kagoj AK Sarker confirmed the closure of the 33-year-old newspaper.
"What you have heard is correct. We will provide further details later," he told bdnews24.com
The newspaper’s chief correspondent Khandaker Kawsar told bdnews24.com that staff had been protesting for several days, demanding benefits under the Eighth Wage Board’s pay scale, outstanding wages, and service benefits.
He added that they had submitted their demands to the management, but the newspaper was suddenly shut down.
"We have been victims of discrimination for over a decade. We strongly condemn the closure of the institution. The journalists and staff will soon announce further actions."
Kawsar said they had learned the authorities intended to run the paper with only 30-35 employees, while the rest would be “laid off”.
"Our position is clear—if layoffs happen, we have no objections, but our demands must be met," he added.
The journalist said, “Bhorer Kagoj declared the implementation of the Eighth Wage Board and received all benefits, including Tk 900 per column inch for advertisements, from the government.
“If layoffs occur, all benefits under the Wage Board pay scale, along with any outstanding wages and service benefits, must be provided.
"Secondly, if layoffs are not made, the Eighth Wage Board must be implemented immediately. Appointment letters must be provided to everyone.
“Thirdly, any outstanding wages and financial benefits owed to individuals under the wage board, according to their years of service, must be fully paid," he concluded.
The newspaper began its journey on Feb 15, 1992, with the slogan “Daily of Free Thought”.
After the fall of the Awami League government, Shyamal Dutta, the editor of the newspaper, was detained by police from the border area of Mymensingh’s Dhobaura Upazila on Sept 16, 2024.
Shyamal, the former general secretary of the National Press Club, has been in jail since then.
