The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) has announced a major opportunity for journalists in Bangladesh: the 2026 Reporting Fellowships to Produce In‑Depth Stories on Climate Change and the Private Sector. This fellowship aims to strengthen high‑quality, deeply reported journalism that explores how industries, businesses, farmers, and workers in Bangladesh are both affected by—and contributing to—climate change.

Application Deadline: June 14, 2026, 11:59 PM (Asia/Dhaka) Accepted Application Languages: English and Bangla

This article provides a full breakdown of the fellowship, including its purpose, themes, eligibility, budget requirements, judging criteria, and application process.

Overview: Why This Fellowship Matters

Bangladesh’s climate reporting has traditionally focused on rural communities and coastal vulnerabilities. However, climate change is also reshaping the private sector, from agriculture to garments to pharmaceuticals.

The uploaded document states:

“A 2025 World Bank study found that 25 million workdays were lost in 2024 due to heat‑related physical and mental health issues.” “Industries in Bangladesh cannot afford to ignore their two‑way relationships with climate change.”

Key issues include:

Heat stress reducing productivity in factories
Erratic weather damaging agricultural output
Environmental degradation caused by industries
Upcoming EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) impacting textile exports
Climate‑driven disruptions affecting farmers and fishers
Growing need for climate‑responsible business practices

EJN’s fellowship supports journalists who can illuminate these complex relationships and highlight solutions emerging across Bangladesh.

Fellowship Themes

Applicants may pitch stories related to:

Impacts of climate change on Bangladesh’s private sector and how businesses are responding
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) rules and their influence
Climate finance instruments, including carbon markets
New business opportunities such as renewable energy and clean mobility
Artificial intelligence and its climate implications
Corporate greenwashing and accountability

Proposals with fresh, underreported angles are strongly preferred.

Eligibility Requirements

According to the uploaded document:

“Applicants can be from Bangladesh only.” “Applications are open to journalists working in any medium… We welcome applications from early‑career journalists and experienced reporters.”

Eligibility includes:

Must be based in Bangladesh
Open to individual journalists or groups (with one lead applicant)
Open to print, online, TV, radio, and other reporting professionals
Open to freelancers and staff journalists
Applications accepted in English or Bangla
Applicants must disclose any use of generative AI
Applicants must submit two samples of work
Applicants must include a letter of support from an editor committing to publish by September 30, 2026

Fellowship Logistics

Up to 10 fellowships will be awarded
Fellows will receive funding + mentorship
Reports must be published by September 2026
Reports may be produced in English or Bangla (with English translation if needed)
Applicants must include a risk management plan for safety
Applicants may include security‑related costs in the budget

Budget Requirements

The uploaded document states:

“We ask that the budgets be reasonable with a ceiling of 1500 EUR.” “Applications with smaller budgets will be more competitive.”

Budget guidelines:

Maximum budget: €1500
Must include a detailed Excel budget with justification
Should focus on reporting costs (travel, accommodation, translation, safety)
Should not focus on buying new equipment
Freelancers may include a stipend, but it must be no more than 30% of the total budget
Applicants must disclose other funding sources, if any

Judging Criteria

Applications will be evaluated on:

Relevance to climate change and the private sector
Originality and fresh angles
Reach of the publishing outlet
Impact potential
Innovative storytelling, including multimedia and data visualization
Feasibility and timely publication
Strength of the editor’s support letter

Application Process

To apply:

Click Apply Now on the EJN website
Log in or create an account
Complete the application form
Upload:
- Detailed budget (Excel)
- Two work samples
- Signed editor support letter
Submit before the deadline

Important Notes

Reports must include the tagline: “This story was produced with support from Internews’ Earth Journalism Network.”
EJN and partners retain rights to edit, publish, broadcast, and distribute the stories
Late applications will not be considered

Apply here

For more information about this opportunity visit here

Discover more fellowship opportunities here