BFUJ and DUJ Condemn ATCO’s Mandatory NOC Directive for Journalists

Special Correspondent: The Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) have strongly condemned and protested the Association of Television Channel Owners’ (ATCO) circular making a No Objection Certificate (NOC) mandatory for journalists changing jobs.In a joint statement issued on Monday, May 18, the executive committees of the two apex professional journalist organizations denounced the directive. The statement was signed by BFUJ President Obaidur Rahman Shaheen and Secretary General Kader Ghani Chowdhury, along with DUJ President Shahidul Islam and Acting General Secretary Didarul Alam.The leaders said the right of journalists and media workers to change workplaces, choose suitable employment, and work independently is constitutionally guaranteed. No organization or employer can unilaterally issue such a directive to curtail journalists’ professional freedom.They noted that the circular makes an NOC compulsory for changing jobs and threatens legal action for non-compliance. “This is contrary to labor law, journalistic ethics, and the practice of an independent media,” the statement read.Such a decision will disrupt the healthy working environment in the media, and create fear, unprofessionalism, and uncertainty among media workers, the leaders added.They pointed out that in electronic media, journalists often lack appointment letters, regular salary and allowances, bonuses, a defined pay structure, and financial security for the future. In this context, ATCO’s decision and its public notice are illegal and a gross violation of human rights. The unions demanded immediate withdrawal of the ATCO circular and urged all concerned to refrain from taking any decision against the interests of journalists.