45 get this year's Meena Media Awards

Forty-five journalists, creative writers, television and radio programme producers were honoured with 11th Meena Media Awards 2015 yesterday afternoon for reporting, writing and producing works on children's issues.

Both creative and journalistic works by age groups below and over 18 were awarded at the ballroom of Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka.

Issues receiving awards ranged from children's stories, drug issues, prison, study pressure, adolescent problems, and effect of climate change to marriage.

In journalism, seven reports from print and online newspapers, nine from radio and eight from television; in creative category, six writings in print media, nine programmes from radio and six from television were awarded with first, second and third prize amounting to Tk 50,000, Tk 25,000 and Tk 15,000 respectively along with a crest and certificate.

"News related to children are gradually gaining prominence in the media," observed Louise Mvono, deputy representative of Unicef Bangladesh, at the beginning of ceremony.

Urging everyone to focus on adolescence, Mvono said child marriage should not be used as a way to address social issues.

Handing over the prizes, Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu urged female journalists not to lose heart and courage in face of threat from terrorist groups.

A number of journalists and programme producers from community radio also participated and received award. Unicef is planning to add photography and videography in the category next year.