DHAKA: A total of 10 fellows have been honored with Bandhu Media Fellowship Award for their investigating report on sexual minority people in Bangladesh.
As a part of collective efforts and with a notion to work for establishing human rights of sexual minority population of Bangladesh, Bandhu Social Welfare Society (BSWS) This year 2015, in partnership with United Nations Development Program (UNDP) under the MSA grant of GFTAM (DIVA project), has rolled out the fifth media fellowship.
The Fellowship Awardees are Shafiullah Sumon of BTV, Senior Journalist Shakil Bin Mostak, Mizanur Rahman of Alokita Bangladesh, Mahfiz Mishu of Jamuna TV, Omar Faruk of The daily Ittefaq, Banglanews24.com Lifestyle Editor Sharmina Islam, Rana Hanif of The Report, Shekhar Dipu of ATN Bangla and Independent TV Bogra correspondent Sumana Hen Bram.
In his welcome speech, BSWS Chairman Anisul Islam Hero said that they are not alone, media people around with them to establish the rights of sexual minority. 
He thanked media people and institution for helping them to run their journey smoothly.
While speaking as chief guest in the award ceremony program The Daily Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahmam said that without involvement of government no initiative could be successful, so we must thanks government that they recognized Hizra as third gender and allow stipend for them.
‘On the other hand, Bandhu and media fellows are working for the wellbeing of sexual minority and producing valuable report in order to establish their rights in the society, so we must say they are doing wonderful job,’ he added.
Sweden Ambassador to Dhaka Johan Frisell said that there is no doubt that the report made by the journalists will create a penetration among the mass people, policy makers and other stockholder. People are now more aware because media take responsibility to establish rights of sexual minority.
In this program, community people share their voice and take part in dance and storytelling.
Media fellow’s reports were screened in the forum. Finally fellows were awarded crest, certificate for their successfully completion report.
The program presided over by BSWS Executive Director Shale Ahmed.
He said that some changes is happening regarding the sexual minority issues, because media with them.
BDST: 1020 HRS, DEC 28, 2015
RS/SMS
