Bangladesh Journalism Conference 2026 set for May, delegates from over 10 countries to join
According to organisers, the event is expected to bring together around 500 participants, including journalists, editors, researchers, academics, students and civil society representatives from home and abroad.
A two-day conference aimed at addressing the evolving challenges of journalism and strengthening professional standards in the media sector is set to take place in Dhaka this May.
Organised by the Media Resources Development Initiative (MRDI), the "Bangladesh Journalism Conference 2026" will be held on 8-9 May at Hotel Radisson in the capital.
According to organisers, the event is expected to bring together around 500 participants, including journalists, editors, researchers, academics, students and civil society representatives from home and abroad.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Speaking at a press briefing, MRDI Executive Director Hasibur Rahman said the initiative comes at a critical juncture, as Bangladesh navigates a changing democratic landscape where the role of the media warrants renewed attention. He noted that the conference will also serve as a platform for knowledge exchange and professional networking with international experts.
The conference will feature 12 sessions with more than 20 speakers and discussants. Participants from over 10 countries, including Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Indonesia, Malaysia, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and Portugal, have already confirmed their participation.
Key themes of discussion will include investigative journalism, media accountability, self-regulation, access to information, digital newsroom transformation, data-driven reporting, gender equality, inclusion and journalists' safety.
In addition, four dedicated help desks will be set up at the venue, focusing on investigative journalism, right to information, fact-checking and mental health support.
For student participants, completion of a designated online journalism course will be mandatory. Meanwhile, 15 journalists from outside Dhaka will be selected for fellowship opportunities, which will include mentorship and, where necessary, financial support for approved story projects.
Registration for the conference will open online, with applications accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, though final selection will be made by the organisers.
The organisers noted that the conference coincides with MRDI's 25th anniversary, and there are plans to institutionalise such events on a regular basis in the future.
