International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024: Essay Competition for University Students

On December 3, 2024, the world will observe the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. In celebration of this occasion, SoMaSHTe is organizing an essay competition for university students with the support of UNESCO. This competition is part of SoMaSHTe’s ongoing initiative, “Disability Equality in the Media,” which aims to promote inclusion in media representation.

[To read the full announcement in Bangla, click HERE. বাংলায় সম্পূর্ণ ঘোষণাটি পড়তে এখানে ক্লিক করুন]

Competition Topics:

Bangla Medium: “গণমাধ্যমের বার্তাকক্ষ ও অনুষ্ঠানের মূলধারায প্রতিবন্ধী ব্যক্তিদের অন্তর্ভুক্তি”
English Medium: “Mainstreaming Disability in Media’s Newsroom and Programming.”

Eligibility:
Bangladeshi students enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate programs at universities or equivalent institutions can participate, regardless of gender or identity.

Rules and Submission Guidelines:

Word Limit: Up to 1,500 words.
Language: Essays for the Bangla medium should be in Bangla, and those for the English medium in English.
Format: Essays may be handwritten or typed on A4 paper, using both sides. The cover page must include the participant’s name, university/institute, department, class, semester/year, address, phone number, and email.
Originality: Participants may use sources with proper citation. Plagiarism or excessive use of AI-generated content will lead to disqualification.
Submission: Essays can be submitted via email, postal/courier services, or in person.

Submission Deadline:
Essays must be submitted by midnight on November 30, 2024 (extended).

Evaluation:
A panel of three judges will evaluate the submissions, and six winners will be chosen across the two categories based on their combined scores.

Prizes:
Winners will be honored at a ceremony in Dhaka, where they will receive crests, certificates, and books. Event details will be shared with winners via email and phone.

Submission Address:
SoMaSHTe, 3/6 Humayun Road (3rd Floor), Block B, Mohammadpur, Dhaka 1207.
Email: somashte@gmail.com
Contact for assistance: Zahidul Haque Khan, Programme Coordinator, SoMaSHTe, Phone: +8801714041017