UNESCO Dhaka

It was in 2008 when UNESCO Bangladesh introduced the UNESCO Bangladesh Journalism Award to mark the World Press Freedom Day observed on 3 May all over the world. The award is given for the best investigative report published or telecast in print or electronic media in Bangladesh. Through this award UNESCO seeks to recognize and encourage quality investigative reporting and by extension quality journalism. This is part of UNESCO's efforts towards media development as well as reinforcing freedom of expression and press freedom in Bangladesh.

This year Canadian High Commission Bangladesh and Bangladesh Centre for Development, Journalism and Communication (BCDJC) have joined UNESCO in marking the World Press Freedom Day by honouring journalists for their professional excellence through this award. Entries have already been invited through newspaper advertisement.

Award Name: UNESCO Bangladesh Journalism Award 2009
Award giving ceremony: 3 May, World Press Freedom Day
Subject: Investigative report (with a focus on good governance)
Number of awardees: A total of four (4) awards will be given. 2 for print and 2 for electronic (only television). From both print and electronic one award will be reserved for women journalists.
Eligibility: Investigative reports published or broadcast from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2008 are acceptable. One reporter can send two entries. Along with the printed version of the report (showing the name of the newspaper and the date of publication), a computer-composed copy of the same (without mentioning name of the reporter, the media that carried the report or anything that may suggest the identity of the reporter or media, are to be sent; For tv reports, a CD of the item that was broadcast should be sent along with the script.

Address for sending reports: Entries should be sent to BCDJC, 53 Central Road (2nd floor), Dhanmandi, Dhaka 1205. The last date for sending entries is 21 March 2009.

Award: A cheque of BDT 50,000 for each of the 4 winners along with a crest and citation.
Consolation prizes: Four second best reporters would be awarded with certificates.