Noab Hikes Newspaper Prices by Tk 2 in Bangladesh from July 25
The Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (Noab) has announced a price increase of at least Tk 2 per issue for all member-owned newspapers, effective July 25. This adjustment raises the cost of standard copies from Tk 10 to Tk 12 and lower-priced editions from Tk 5 to Tk 7. The decision stems from an unprecedented financial crisis within the industry, driven by soaring operational costs. Noab cited a doubling of newsprint prices, increased exchange rates for the US dollar, and higher expenses for ink, printing plates, and transportation as primary factors. Additionally, advertising and circulation revenues have declined significantly, a trend exacerbated by the pandemic. Despite repeated requests for government stimulus packages similar to those provided to other sectors, the newspaper industry received no assistance, while corporate taxes and import duties remained unchanged. Noab emphasized its commitment to quality journalism and appealed to readers for cooperation during this challenging period. Notably, The Daily Star is exempt from this specific hike as it recently increased its price to Tk 15 on July 1. This move highlights the severe economic pressures facing the print media sector in Bangladesh amidst global and local inflationary trends.
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Noab Hikes Newspaper Prices by Tk 2 in Bangladesh from July 25
The Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (Noab) has announced a price increase of at least Tk 2 per issue for all member-owned newspapers, effective July 25. This adjustment raises the cost of standard copies from Tk 10 to Tk 12 and lower-priced editions from Tk 5 to Tk 7. The decision stems from an unprecedented financial crisis within the industry, driven by soaring operational costs. Noab cited a doubling of newsprint prices, increased exchange rates for the US dollar, and higher expenses for ink, printing plates, and transportation as primary factors. Additionally, advertising and circulation revenues have declined significantly, a trend exacerbated by the pandemic. Despite repeated requests for government stimulus packages similar to those provided to other sectors, the newspaper industry received no assistance, while corporate taxes and import duties remained unchanged. Noab emphasized its commitment to quality journalism and appealed to readers for cooperation during this challenging period. Notably, The Daily Star is exempt from this specific hike as it recently increased its price to Tk 15 on July 1. This move highlights the severe economic pressures facing the print media sector in Bangladesh amidst global and local inflationary trends.
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