Special Correspondent

Eight distinguished journalists from Bangladesh have departed for Kathmandu, Nepal, to participate in the 3rd International Indigenous Language Journalism Conference 2026, which will be held from 9–12 August 2026 in the Nepalese capital.

The four-day conference will be organized under the theme: "Indigenous Language Journalism for Cultural Diversity, Climate Justice and Inclusive Democracy."

The Bangladesh delegation will be led by Shihabur Rahman, General Secretary of the SAARC Journalist Forum (SJF) Bangladesh Chapter and Head of Online & Multimedia at The Financial Express.

Other members of the delegation include:
Mushtaq Ahmed Mubarki—Editor, The Daily Bongobani .
MD Ziaur Rahman—Special Correspondent, The Daily Ajkal .
Mohammad Moniruzzaman—Editor, Daily Bank Bima Arthoniti .
Md. Abu Bakar Siddique—Senior Correspondent, The Daily Ajker Probhat
Panna Zaman- Executive Editor , The Daily Amor. Bangla.Shahnaz Begum-Channel- S Television Online.

The delegation is also accompanied by Md. Abdur Rahman, Secretary General of the Central Committee of the SAARC Journalist Forum (SJF).

Journalists from 30 Countries to Gather
The conference is being organized by the Federation of Nepalese Indigenous Nationalities Journalists (FoNIJ) and supported by the SAARC Journalist Forum (SJF). Co-organizers include the Tamang, Tamu Gurung, Limbu, Tharu, Kirat Rai, Sherpa, and Magar Journalists' Associations. The event is coordinated by the National Forum of Newa Journalists . According to the organizers, journalists, media professionals, and researchers specializing in Indigenous and mother-language journalism from approximately 30 countries, including Bangladesh, will participate in this year's conference.

Key Objectives and Highlights;
The four-day conference will feature panel discussions, research paper presentations, and working sessions focusing on the current state, major challenges, and future prospects of Indigenous language journalism in the global context. Media experts, academics, and professionals from different countries will share their experiences and recommendations.

As part of the conference, delegates from participating countries will take part in a colorful cultural procession. The program also includes visits to Nepal's historical and tourist attractions, along with opportunities to experience the country's traditional cuisine.

The conference aims to strengthen the professionalism of Indigenous language journalism, promote its recognition in public policy, and create new global opportunities for preserving languages, scripts, cultures, and indigenous heritage.