The government has taken initiative to implement the ninth wage board for journalists, Information Minister Hasan Mahmud told parliament tonight.

In reply to a question from ruling Awami League MP Shafiqul Islam Shimul (Natore-2), the minister also said the present government is committed to ensure the freedom of mass media and protecting the people’s rights regarding free flow of information.

Earlier, the House sitting started with Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury in the chair.

Citing Article 39 of the Constitution, the information minister said media has significantly expanded in its every section in the last 10 years.

Hasan Mahmud said the government is providing support to journalists through the Journalists’ Welfare Trust and steps have been taken to continue the support for them.

In reply to another query by the main opposition Jatiya Party MP Rustum Ali Faraji (Pirojpur-3), the minister said now there are a total of 2,654 newspapers, including dailies, weeklies, quarterlies and monthlies, in the country.