Journalists today threatened to stage a sit-in on August 16 in front of Jatiya Press Club if their demand of a new pay scale is not met by the time.

The threat came from a rally organised by Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) along with other platforms of journalist at Dhaka’s press club premises.

They also called upon the Finance Minister AMA Muhith to withdraw his comments on the ninth wage board and seek apology within 72 hours.

“Otherwise, we will take to the streets to push our demand,” said DUJ President Shaban Mahmud.

Earlier, Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) also echoed the same demand for formation of ninth wage board within August 15.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other members of her cabinet, except Finance Minister Muhith, have already said that the government is in favour of a new wage board.

According to them, the main bar on the issue is the newspaper owners.

Minister Muhith, however, has issued heated comments in this regard that has drawn stark criticism from journalist quarters.