Wikimedia chapters/Reports/Wikimedia Bangladesh/2026/Q1
 | This page reports Wikimedia Bangladesh-related activities and projects organized and/or supported in 2026 (Jan-Mar). This report was made by Moheen. |
(January–March)
Overview
The first quarter of 2026 marked a period of significant growth and strategic expansion for Wikimedia Bangladesh, with a strong focus on governance, education, community engagement, and content development. During this period, the chapter successfully conducted key organizational activities, including the Annual General Meeting and Executive Committee election, ensuring continuity in transparent and community-driven governance.
A major highlight of the quarter was the launch of WikiScholar, a flagship education initiative aimed at engaging secondary-level students with Wikimedia projects. Complementing this, multiple school and university outreach programs, workshops, and awareness campaigns were conducted across Dhaka, Pabna, and other regions, strengthening the pipeline of new contributors. The Amar Ekushey Article Contest 2026 further contributed to large-scale content growth, with over 900 articles created, demonstrating strong community participation and impact.
The quarter also emphasized community building and decentralization, with regional activities in Rajshahi, Chandpur, and Pabna, alongside nationwide celebrations of Wikipedia’s 25th anniversary. These initiatives brought together experienced and new contributors, fostering collaboration, recognition, and outreach. Additionally, targeted capacity-building efforts, including workshops and Good Article review activities, supported skill development and quality improvement across Bangla Wikipedia.
Overall, the activities of Q1 2026 reflect a balanced and strategic approach—combining governance, content growth, education, and community engagement—to strengthen the Wikimedia ecosystem in Bangladesh and ensure sustainable contributor development for the future.
Activity Statistics
| Activity | Count |
|---|---|
| Governance | 02 |
| Campaign | 01 |
| Capacity Building | 01 |
| Community Development & Decentralisation | 01 |
| Content Development | 01 |
| Edit-a-thons | 01 |
| Education & Youth Engagement | 01 |
| GLAM | 01 |
| WikiGathering | 03 |
| Workshops | 05 |
| Community Celebrations | 03 |
| Total | 20 |
Outcomes
|
Pages Created
1,000+
|
Media Uploaded
720+
|
Public Engagement
1,000+
|
Governance
Annual General Meeting 2025
AGM 2025: The 11th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Wikimedia Bangladesh was held on 17 January 2026. The meeting brought together registered members of the organization to review the year’s activities, assess governance matters, and plan for future directions.
The AGM commenced with the presentation of the activity report for 2025, highlighting key programs, community initiatives, and organizational achievements over the year. This was followed by the presentation of the financial report for the 2024–2025 fiscal year, where members reviewed the financial summary and expenditures as part of the organization’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
The meeting also included a summary presentation of Wikimedia Bangladesh’s future activity plan, outlining strategic priorities and upcoming initiatives for the next cycle. Members engaged in discussions on organizational priorities, coordination, and community development.
The AGM concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening governance practices, enhancing member engagement, and ensuring sustainable growth of the Wikimedia community in Bangladesh.
2026 Executive Committee Members Election
The Executive Committee election for the 2026 term of Wikimedia Bangladesh was held on 17 January 2026, following the Annual General Meeting. The voting process was conducted online using the ElectionBuddy platform, ensuring a transparent and secure election procedure.
A total of 32 ballots were cast out of 32 eligible voters, achieving a 100% voter turnout. The election was overseen by an independent election committee comprising Yahya, MS Sakib, and DeloarAkram. In total, 16 candidates contested for 9 positions on the Executive Committee.
According to the election results, the following members were elected to serve on the Executive Committee for the 2026 term:
- Shakil Hosen
- Delwar Hossain
- Moheen Reeyad
- Shabab Mustafa
- Subrata Roy
- Dolon Prova
- Tanvir Rahman
- Mayeenul Islam
- Tanbin Islam Siyam
Among the elected members, Shakil Hosen and Delwar Hossain were newly elected to the Executive Committee for the first time. The election process demonstrated strong member participation and reflected Wikimedia Bangladesh’s continued commitment to transparent, democratic, and community-driven governance.
Campaign
WikiScholar 2026 Campaign (January)
As part of the outreach efforts for the WikiScholar 2026 competition, a promotional campaign was conducted on 25 January 2026 at Dhaka Residential Model College in Mohammadpur, Dhaka. Organized by members of the Dhaka Wikimedia Community, the initiative aimed to raise awareness among secondary-level students about Wikipedia and encourage their participation in the WikiScholar competition.
The campaign was carried out through direct classroom engagement, where community members visited classes from grades 6 to 10 and conducted brief orientation sessions. These sessions introduced students to Wikipedia, explaining how it works and the importance of free knowledge. Participants were also informed about the WikiScholar 2026 competition, including its objectives, participation process, eligibility criteria, and competition structure. Guidance was provided on the recommended reading list of selected Wikipedia articles, along with preparation tips. Each session included a short question-and-answer segment, allowing students to clarify their queries. Overall, the campaign effectively promoted awareness, encouraged student participation, and expanded outreach within the school community.
Capacity Building
Good Article Review Edit-a-thon (January)
- Coordinated by: Yahya
A day-long Good Article Review Edit-a-thon was held on 10 January 2026 at the Wikimedia Bangladesh office in Dhaka, organized by the Dhaka Wikimedia Community in preparation for the Good Article Review Campaign 2025. The initiative brought together active Wikimedians in a collaborative, in-person setting to focus on reviewing and improving articles on Bangla Wikipedia.
Unlike a traditional Edit-a-thon, this session was designed as a hands-on working meetup where experienced contributors jointly conducted Good Article reviews. Participants worked collectively to assess articles against Wikipedia’s quality standards, including accuracy, neutrality, sourcing, and overall structure. The collaborative environment allowed for peer learning, real-time discussion, and shared decision-making in the review process.
The edit-a-thon played an important role in strengthening the quality assurance workflow of Bangla Wikipedia by accelerating the review process and ensuring consistency in evaluations. It also fostered deeper engagement among experienced contributors, encouraging knowledge exchange and reinforcing a culture of quality-focused editing within the community.
Community Development & Decentralisation
PUST WikiClub Launch (January)
The PUST WikiClub, a Wikimedia-oriented student initiative at Pabna University of Science and Technology (PUST), was officially launched on 12 January 2026 at the university’s Shaheed Minar premises. The launch marked an important step in expanding Wikimedia activities within academic institutions and fostering a structured community of student contributors. The program introduced the club’s vision, objectives, and future plans, emphasizing the importance of free knowledge, open collaboration, and student engagement in Wikimedia projects.
Recognized by Wikimedia Bangladesh, the club is a volunteer-driven, non-profit initiative aimed at engaging university students in contributing to Bangla Wikipedia and other Wikimedia platforms. Its core objectives include promoting content creation and translation of academic materials, raising awareness about copyright and open licensing, and organizing activities such as workshops, edit-a-thons, and seminars. The launch of the club is expected to strengthen Wikimedia outreach in higher education, encourage new contributors, and support the sustainable growth of the Bangla Wikimedia community.
Content Development
Amar Ekushey Article Contest 2026 (February)
| Articles Created | Participants | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 933 | 404 | 28 days |
The 9th edition of the Amar Ekushey Article Contest 2026, one of the flagship annual initiatives of Bangla Wikipedia, was held in February 2026. The contest witnessed strong participation, with 404 registered participants, demonstrating continued nationwide interest and engagement. Among them, 55 participants actively submitted articles, contributing to the creation of a total of 933 articles during the campaign period. This large volume of content significantly expanded Bangla Wikipedia’s coverage across a wide range of topics, strengthening both the depth and diversity of freely accessible knowledge in the Bangla language.
The contest continued to serve as an effective platform for engaging both new and existing contributors, providing hands-on experience in article creation and familiarizing participants with Wikipedia’s editing standards and guidelines. Through this process, the initiative contributed to building contributor capacity and supporting the development of a sustainable editor community.
The evaluation and result preparation process is currently ongoing, and the final results will be announced in due course. As in previous editions, the contest is expected to strengthen community engagement further, enhance content quality, and contribute to the long-term growth of Bangla Wikipedia.
Edit-a-thons
International Women's Day Online Edit-a-thon (March)
- Coordinated by: Dolon Prova
| Articles Created | Participants | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 23 | 08 | 5 days |
To mark International Women’s Day, observed globally on 8 March, a five-day online edit-a-thon was organized on Bangla Wikipedia from 8–12 March 2026 by WikiNandini. The initiative aimed to highlight the importance of women’s rights, gender equality, and social justice, aligning with the 2026 theme focused on ensuring justice, safety, and rights for women and girls. The campaign encouraged contributors to create and translate articles related to notable women, gender issues, and relevant social topics, thereby strengthening representation and coverage of women-related content on Bangla Wikipedia.
The edit-a-thon engaged 8 participants, who collaboratively created a total of 23 new articles during the campaign period. Participants were supported with guidance materials and a curated list of topics to ensure quality contributions and avoid duplication. The initiative not only contributed to expanding content but also raised awareness about gender representation in knowledge platforms. Overall, the campaign played a meaningful role in promoting inclusive content development and encouraging community participation around an important global observance.
Education & Youth Engagement
WikiScholar Program
WikiScholar is a newly launched flagship initiative by Wikimedia Bangladesh, designed as an annual quiz competition for secondary-level students. Introduced in 2026, the program aims to promote the values of free knowledge among young learners and inspire them to engage with Wikimedia platforms from an early stage. Recognizing that knowledge is a powerful tool for shaping an informed and progressive society, WikiScholar seeks to cultivate curiosity, critical thinking, and a culture of independent learning among students. Through this initiative, Wikimedia Bangladesh is building a structured pathway to introduce the next generation to the open knowledge movement and encourage their long-term participation.
More than just a quiz competition, WikiScholar is a comprehensive educational initiative that integrates awareness, learning, and engagement. It encourages students to explore knowledge beyond textbooks, understand how to access and evaluate reliable information, and develop the ability to verify and share knowledge responsibly. In an era of information abundance, the program emphasizes the importance of identifying accurate, neutral, and verifiable content—core principles aligned with Wikimedia projects. By doing so, it helps strengthen digital literacy, analytical skills, and collaborative learning among participants.
The program is designed to evolve as a multi-component initiative, incorporating outreach campaigns, school-based engagement, orientation sessions, and capacity-building activities alongside the competition itself. It serves as an entry point for students to become future contributors to Wikimedia projects, while also fostering partnerships with educational institutions. WikiScholar positions itself as a long-term investment in building a knowledge-driven community, where students are not only consumers of information but also active participants in the creation and dissemination of free knowledge.
Ultimately, WikiScholar reflects Wikimedia Bangladesh’s commitment to expanding the movement’s reach within the education sector and nurturing future knowledge leaders. By engaging young minds at an early stage, the initiative contributes to the development of a sustainable contributor pipeline and supports the broader mission of ensuring free and accessible knowledge for all.
GLAM
GLAM at Shah Agricultural Information Library & Museum (January)
From 8–10 January 2026, Wikimedia Bangladesh conducted a GLAM documentation initiative at the Shah Agricultural Information Library and Museum in Naogaon, aimed at preserving the rapidly disappearing rural and agricultural heritage of Bengal. As modernization continues to transform traditional practices, many indigenous tools, artifacts, and knowledge systems are at risk of being lost. This initiative addressed that gap by systematically documenting these materials and bringing them into the digital space, ensuring long-term accessibility through Wikimedia platforms.
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During the project, a wide range of agricultural tools, household items, folk instruments, and cultural artifacts were documented, alongside the creation of a unique biological archive of over 100 local rice varieties. The collected materials were digitized through high-quality photography and uploaded with structured metadata to Wikimedia Commons under open licenses. These resources are being integrated into relevant Wikipedia articles and Wikidata items, significantly enhancing the visual and informational quality of content related to South Asian agricultural history and rural life.
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Beyond documentation, the initiative creates long-term value by preserving endangered knowledge, supporting academic research, and expanding open educational resources. It also strengthens collaboration between Wikimedia Bangladesh and local cultural institutions, demonstrating a scalable model for future GLAM partnerships. By transforming locally preserved heritage into globally accessible knowledge, the project reinforces Wikimedia’s mission of knowledge equity and contributes to safeguarding cultural memory for future generations.
Workshops
Workshop on Wikipedia Editing, University of Dhaka (January)
- Coordinated by: MdsShakil
A workshop on Bangla Wikipedia editing was organized on 3 January 2026 at Bijoy Ekattor Hall, University of Dhaka. The initiative was jointly arranged by the Dhaka Wikimedia Community and the Bijoy Ekattor Hall Parliament, aiming to introduce university students to Wikipedia and encourage their participation in the Wikimedia movement. The workshop was conducted on a registration basis and engaged 19 students from the hall, creating an interactive learning environment for new contributors.
The training session covered a comprehensive introduction to Wikipedia, including how it works, how to read and evaluate articles, and the role of Wikipedia in the broader ecosystem of open knowledge. Participants were guided through the process of editing and creating articles, along with an overview of core content policies such as neutrality, verifiability, and reliable sourcing. The workshop also addressed practical topics such as common editing challenges, copyright and free licensing, uploading media to Wikimedia Commons, and the effective use of images in Wikipedia articles. In addition, discussions included the relevance of Wikipedia in training AI models, highlighting its growing significance in the digital knowledge landscape.
The session was facilitated by experienced Wikimedians, including Nahid Sultan, Yahya, and Shakil Hossain, who provided hands-on guidance and mentorship throughout the workshop. The program concluded with a question-and-answer session and open discussion, allowing participants to share their experiences and clarify their understanding. Overall, the workshop contributed to building awareness, developing editing skills, and fostering new contributors within the university community, supporting the continued growth of Bangla Wikipedia.
Workshop on Wikipedia, Police Lines School and College, Pabna (January)
- Coordinated by: MS Sakib
A workshop on Wikipedia, along with an orientation session on the "WikiScholar 2026", was held on 21 January 2026 at Police Lines School and College, Pabna, as part of the Wikipedia 25 celebration. The initiative was led by the PUST WikiClub, aiming to introduce school students (grades 6–10) to the world of open knowledge and encourage their early engagement with Wikimedia projects.
The workshop provided participants with a foundational understanding of Wikipedia, including how it works, its reliability, and how students can effectively use it as a supplementary learning resource alongside textbooks. The session also addressed common misconceptions about Wikipedia and guided students on responsible and informed usage. In addition, a dedicated segment focused on the WikiScholar Quiz 2026, where participants were introduced to the purpose of the competition, participation guidelines, syllabus overview, and preparation strategies to perform well in the quiz.
The session was conducted by experienced Wikimedians, including MS Sakib and Asikur Rahman, who facilitated the discussions and interactive learning activities. The program concluded with a question-and-answer session, allowing students to clarify their queries and share their thoughts. Overall, the workshop contributed to raising awareness about Wikipedia among young learners, promoting digital literacy, and encouraging future participation in Wikimedia initiatives.
Workshop on Wikipedia, Pabna Zilla School (January)
- Coordinated by: MS Sakib
A workshop on Wikipedia, along with an orientation session on the "WikiScholar 2026", was held on 13 January 2026 at Pabna Zilla School. The initiative was organized by the PUST WikiClub as part of the Wikipedia 25 celebration, aiming to introduce school students (grades 6–10) to open knowledge and encourage their engagement with Wikimedia platforms.
The workshop provided students with a foundational understanding of Wikipedia, including how it works, its reliability, and how it can be used effectively as a supplementary learning resource alongside textbooks. The session also addressed common misconceptions about Wikipedia and promoted responsible usage of online information. In addition, participants were introduced to the WikiScholar 2026, including its objectives, participation guidelines, syllabus overview, and preparation strategies to help students perform effectively in the competition.
The session was conducted by experienced Wikimedians, including MS Sakib and Sheikh Mehedi Hassan, who facilitated the training and interactive discussions. The workshop concluded with a question-and-answer and experience-sharing session, allowing students to engage directly with the facilitators. Overall, the program contributed to enhancing digital literacy among school students and encouraging early participation in the Wikimedia movement.
Workshop on Good Article Review (March)
- Coordinated by: MS Sakib
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A workshop on Good Article Review was held on 6 March 2026 at the Wikimedia Bangladesh office in Dhaka, organized by WikiNandini. The session aimed to strengthen the understanding and skills of contributors in evaluating and improving article quality on Bangla Wikipedia. A total of 11 participants attended the workshop, creating an interactive environment for focused learning and discussion.
The workshop covered key aspects of the Good Article process, including the definition and criteria of Good Articles on Bangla Wikipedia, standards and requirements, and best practices for writing and improving articles. Participants were also guided through the process of nominating articles for Good Article status and conducting detailed reviews, with emphasis on quality, sourcing, neutrality, and structure. The session provided practical insights into the review workflow, helping contributors develop the skills necessary to maintain and enhance content quality. Overall, the workshop contributed to capacity building within the community and supported the development of a stronger quality assurance culture on Bangla Wikipedia.
Workshop on Wikipedia, Adamjee Cantonment Public School (March)
- Coordinated by: Hasnat Abdullah
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An offline workshop on Wikipedia was held on 31 March 2026 at the auditorium of Adamjee Cantonment Public School, Dhaka, jointly organized by the Dhaka Wikimedia Community and the institution. The workshop was conducted following the WikiScholar quiz competition, aiming to provide participating students with a foundational understanding of Wikipedia and encourage their engagement with open knowledge platforms.
The session introduced participants to the basics of Wikipedia, including how it works, its purpose, and its role in the global knowledge ecosystem. Students were guided through fundamental concepts of editing, along with an overview of how content is created and maintained on the platform. The workshop also included an interactive segment featuring questions, discussions, and experience sharing, allowing participants to actively engage with the learning process. Overall, the workshop contributed to raising awareness about Wikipedia among school students and supporting their initial steps toward participation in the Wikimedia movement.
Community Celebrations
Wikipedia 25 Celebration (January)
Wikimedia Bangladesh celebrated Wikipedia’s 25th anniversary through a week-long series of activities from 9 to 16 January 2026, combining both virtual and in-person engagements. The celebration was designed to recognize the contributions of the Bangladeshi Wikimedia community, strengthen connections among contributors, and highlight the broader impact of the Wikimedia movement to the public. Unlike previous observances that were often modest or fully virtual, this milestone anniversary placed special emphasis on community recognition, collaboration, and outreach.
The virtual segment, held from 9 to 15 January, provided a platform for community interaction and engagement, while the main in-person event took place on 16 January 2026 in Dhaka. The physical gathering brought together experienced Wikimedians, new contributors, and invited guests, creating an inclusive space for reflection, learning, and networking. The program featured a series of presentations and discussions covering the evolution of Wikipedia (2001–2026), the activities and achievements of Wikimedia Bangladesh, and the broader role of Wikipedia in the digital knowledge ecosystem. Sessions also addressed common misconceptions about Wikipedia and explored opportunities for future growth and collaboration.
The event included remarks from community leaders and invited guests, alongside personal reflections from contributors, including first-time participants sharing their experiences. Through these diverse perspectives, the celebration highlighted both the legacy and future direction of the Wikimedia movement in Bangladesh. Overall, the initiative successfully strengthened community bonds, recognized long-term contributors, and created a welcoming environment for new participants, reinforcing the sustainability and continued growth of the Wikimedia ecosystem in the country.
Wikipedia 25, PUST (January)
As part of the nationwide celebration of Wikipedia’s 25th anniversary, an event was organized on 12 January 2026 at Pabna University of Science and Technology (PUST) by the PUST WikiClub. The program was held at the university’s Shaheed Minar premises, aiming to celebrate the milestone while strengthening Wikimedia engagement within the academic community.
The event began with an introduction to the PUST WikiClub, outlining its objectives, activities, and future plans. This was followed by an opening session highlighting the significance of Wikipedia as a global open knowledge platform and its impact over the past 25 years. The celebration continued in a collaborative and festive environment, marked by a ceremonial cake-cutting to commemorate Wikipedia’s silver jubilee.
The program was attended by faculty members and students, reflecting strong institutional interest and support for Wikimedia initiatives. The event served as a platform to promote awareness of Wikipedia and its sister projects, encourage student participation, and strengthen the presence of the Wikimedia community at the university level. Overall, the initiative contributed to expanding outreach and fostering new contributors within the academic environment.
Wikipedia 25, Rajshahi (January)
As part of the nationwide celebration of Wikipedia’s 25th anniversary, a regional event was organized by the Rajshahi Wikimedia Community on 14 January 2026 at Rajshahi Collegiate School. The event aimed to extend the anniversary celebration beyond the capital and strengthen Wikimedia engagement at the regional level, while promoting awareness of Wikipedia and its impact among students and new audiences.
The program focused on celebrating Wikipedia’s 25-year journey and highlighting the collective efforts of volunteers in building free knowledge. The sessions included an introduction to Wikipedia, its history, impact, and future potential, along with an orientation for new and interested contributors. Participants were also introduced to editing practices and Wikimedia initiatives such as WikiScholar, helping them understand how they can get involved in the movement. The event created opportunities for interaction, learning, and experience sharing between students and experienced Wikimedians.
The event was attended by more than 70 students, reflecting strong local interest and engagement. The sessions were conducted by community members, including Tamhid, who introduced Wikipedia, and Rocky, who presented the WikiScholar initiative. The program concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony in the presence of the school’s head teacher, marking the 25th anniversary of Wikipedia. Overall, the regional celebration successfully expanded outreach, inspired new contributors, and strengthened community presence in the Rajshahi region.
WikiGathering
WikiIftar & Meetup, Rajshahi (March)
A WikiIftar & Meetup was organized on 5 March 2026 by the Rajshahi Wikimedia Community, bringing together local Wikimedians for an in-person gathering. The event aimed to strengthen community bonds, foster collaboration, and create a space for informal interaction among contributors in the region. A total of 6 participants attended the meetup, reflecting a close-knit and engaged local community.
The program included participant introductions, open discussions on contributions across Wikimedia projects, and conversations on future community-based activities in the region. The gathering provided an opportunity for experience sharing and collaborative idea exchange in a relaxed environment. The event concluded with a shared iftar, reinforcing a sense of community and connection among participants. Overall, the meetup contributed to strengthening regional engagement and sustaining active participation within the Wikimedia community in Rajshahi.
WikiIftar & Meetup, Dhaka (March)
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A WikiIftar & Meetup was held on 6 March 2026 in Dhaka, by the Dhaka Wikimedia Community, bringing together Wikimedians residing in the capital for an in-person community gathering. The event aimed to strengthen connections among contributors, encourage experience sharing, and foster a sense of collaboration within the community. A total of 19 participants attended the meetup, representing contributors from various Wikimedia projects.
The program included participant introductions, open discussions on contributions across Wikimedia platforms such as Bangla Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons, Wikidata, and Wikivoyage, and conversations on future community activities. The gathering provided a space for informal interaction and collaborative exchange among volunteers. The event concluded with a shared iftar, reinforcing community bonding and strengthening engagement among contributors in Dhaka.
WikiIftar & Meetup, Chandpur (March)
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A WikiIftar & Meetup was organized on 19 March 2026 by the Chandpur Wikimedia Community, bringing together local Wikimedians and volunteers for an in-person gathering. The event aimed to strengthen connections among community members, encourage experience sharing, and foster a collaborative environment at the regional level. The meetup was held at a local venue in Chandpur in a friendly and engaging atmosphere.
The program included participant introductions, discussions on contributions across Wikimedia projects such as Bangla Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons, and Wikidata, and conversations on future community-based initiatives. The event also saw participation from volunteers involved in the WikiScholar program, contributing to discussions on outreach and local engagement. The gathering concluded with a shared iftar, reinforcing community bonding and strengthening relationships among contributors. Overall, the meetup contributed to expanding regional engagement, supporting volunteer collaboration, and sustaining the growth of the Wikimedia community in Chandpur.
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