Applications open for Shomotay Tarunno Media Award 2026
Applications are now open for the Shomotay Tarunno Media Award 2026, which recognises gender-sensitive journalism and creative content that promote human dignity, equal representation, and positive social change.
The national award is jointly organised by the Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB), Plan International Bangladesh, and JAAGO Foundation Trust, with support from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bangladesh, according to a press release.
The initiative builds on the success of the previous media award under the "Shomotay Tarunno: Youth for Equality" project and is being held on a broader scale this year.
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Awards will be presented in eight categories: local newspaper reporting, national newspaper reporting, television reporting, online news, local entertainment reporting, national entertainment reporting, drama, and advertisements, including television commercials, online video commercials, and social media content.
The award seeks to encourage the media and creative industries to portray women, men, young people, persons with disabilities, and Indigenous Peoples in ways that uphold dignity, reflect diversity, and promote equal representation.
It will recognise journalists, media professionals and content creators whose work contributes to gender equality, human dignity and positive social change.
Journalists, media professionals, producers, and creative practitioners are invited to submit eligible work published or broadcast between 1 July 2025 and 31 July 2026, in accordance with the application guidelines.
The organisers said the media play a significant role in shaping public attitudes and social values. The initiative therefore seeks to encourage responsible language, respectful representation and non-discriminatory perspectives on gender across news, entertainment and advertising.
Detailed eligibility criteria, submission guidelines, and other relevant information are available on the award website.
The application deadline is 10 September 2026.
