Applications have been invited for the ‘Shomotay Tarunno Media Award 2026’, a national initiative recognising responsible media practices, human dignity and positive social change through gender-sensitive journalism and creative content. The award is being 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.
Building on the success of the previous media award organised under the ‘Shomotay Tarunno: Youth for Equality’ project, this year’s initiative is being held on a broader scale. The award will recognise gender-sensitive and socially responsible journalism and creative content.
Awards will be presented across eight categories, including newspaper reporting (local and national), television reporting, online news, entertainment reporting (local and national), drama, and advertisement (TVCs, OVCs, and social media).
The award seeks to encourage media and creative industries to portray women, men, youth, persons with disabilities and Indigenous Peoples in ways that uphold dignity, reflect diversity and promote equal representation. The award also recognizes 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 01 July 2025 and 31 July 2026, in accordance with the application guidelines.
Media plays a significant role in shaping public attitudes and social values. Therefore, the initiative 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.
Application deadline: September 10, 2026
Details and applications: https://shomotaytarunno.com