International photo contest 'Wiki Loves Bangla' begins
The 'Wiki Loves Bangla' photography contest is back. Organised annually by Wikimedia, this international competition highlights Bengali culture and heritage on a global stage. First launched in 2024, the contest returns this year from 1 March to 31 March.
The event is hosted by Bangla WikiMoitree as part of the Bengali Culture and Heritage Collation Programme, a joint initiative between Bangladesh and India. Each year, the contest highlights a unique theme related to Bengali heritage. This year's theme is 'Birds of Bengal'.
Anyone from anywhere in the world can participate by submitting photographs of birds native to the Bengal region. There is no limit to the number of photos one can submit. Moheen Reeyad, treasurer of Wikimedia Bangladesh and contest organiser, emphasised that documenting and sharing images of Bengali birds will help raise awareness about the region's rich biodiversity.
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"Digital photo archives are not just about preserving history—they serve as valuable resources for education, research, and conservation. This competition ensures that the natural beauty and wildlife of Bengal are safeguarded for future generations," he said.
At the end of the competition, an international jury will review the top 100 photographs, and the top 10 will be declared international winners. The winners will receive significant prizes, with the first-place winner receiving Tk50,000, the second-place winner Tk25,000, and the third-place winner Tk15,000. Additionally, crests and certificates will be awarded to all top 10 winners.
The contest organiser, Bangla WikiMoitree, is an international network dedicated to preserving Bengali culture and heritage while fostering coordination and collaboration among Bengali Wikimedia communities, affiliates, and informal groups. This Wikimedia hub was established in 2023 as a joint initiative of Wikimedia Bangladesh, a local chapter of the US-based nonprofit Wikimedia Foundation, and the West Bengal Wikimedians User Group.
Participants are encouraged to capture the essence of Bengali wildlife and contribute to the global celebration of Bengali heritage through photography.
For more information and to participate, visit https://w.wiki/DERr.
