UNICEF received around 1,000 submissions from print, photo, and video journalists for the competitions. A panel of nine judges selected the awarded from 65 nominees in 12 categories. The award giving ceremony program of Meena Media Awards has held on Monday, April 22.
The winners of the award in print and online journalism category, aged 18 or above, are Ahmadul Hassan of Prothom Alo, Md Rakibul Hasan Tamim, Md Jasim Uddin, Musa Mollic, and Nazrul Islam of Dhaka Post, Rabiul Alam of Dhaka Note, Sadhan Kumar Sarker of Protidiner Bangladesh, Sharmin Rima of Cvoice24.com, and Udisa Islam of Bangla Tribune.
Md Sazid Hossain of Prothom Alo awarded in photojournalism while Md Boni Amin of Jamuna Television and Md Shabuj Mahmud of Independent Television received awards in video journalism category. The winners of the award, aged below 18, are – Md Safayet Hossain Shanto of Ajker Sundarban, Md Mojahid Islam of ATN Bangla and Md Naime Islam of economicnews24.com.
Addressing the event as chief guest, speaker of the national parliament Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury said that media had an important role in voicing the needs of children. Their insightful analysis of children’s issues provided crucial guidance for both society and policymakers, urging them to take meaningful action in ensuring children’s rights.
UNICEF representative to Bangladesh Sheldon Yett said that the news reports, photographs, and videos, showcased at the Meena Media Awards, highlighted not only the needs of children but also the initiatives to make their lives better.
Launched by UNICEF in 2005, the Meena Media Awards are named after Meena, the popular cartoon character, who has been advocating for children’s rights and reminding adults of their responsibilities in Bangladesh and beyond since 1993.
The Daily Star editor Mahfuz Anam, Bangladesh Television director general Md Jahangir Alam, educationist Muhammad Zafar Iqbal, Dhaka Tribune executive director Reaz Ahmed, filmmaker and lecturer at the Pathshala Institute Shameem Akhtar and UNICEF national ambassador artist Bidya Sinha Saha Mim were present as special guests at the event.