Digitally Right is excited to launch the Bangladesh Tech Policy Fellowship 2024. This program is open to young and mid-career professionals in academia, law, journalism, technology, and civic advocacy organizations.

With our reliance on the internet being on a steep rise, the need for responsible and ethical tech policies cannot be denied. This fellowship allows the participants to explore the impact of these evolving technologies and how the policies that govern these technologies influence their use. 

The Fellowship is designed to empower participants with the knowledge and skills needed to understand global and local trends in technology policies. It includes in-depth training, expert mentoring, and the opportunity to conduct research on a policy issue. Participants will contribute to the discourse by producing research papers, policy briefs, or articles and a stipend to cover research expenses.

Be part of a transformative journey!  

Fellowship Themes

Applicants interested in this fellowship will be required to submit research proposals which will play a crucial part in the selection of the most qualified candidates. While there is a wide array of tech policy topics to consider, this year the fellowship will focus on accountable digital governance in the following areas: 

  • Privacy and Personal Data Protection
  • Online Content Governance and Free Expression 
  • Technology Facilitated Gender Based Violence
  • Open and Equitable Access to the Internet
  • Fair E-commerce and Consumer Protection

What’s in it for you?

  • A 4-day in-person workshop.
  • 3 virtual in-depth sessions.
  • Publish research papers under expert mentoring.
  • Showcase your work to an esteemed audience.
  • Become part of a regional network of tech policy enthusiasts.
  • Receive a modest stipend for your work.

Eligibility

The Tech Policy Fellowship is designed for individuals who envision professional development opportunities in the fields of tech policy, digital rights advocacy, and civic technology. We encourage applications from any Bangladeshi institute or organization who has an interest in these areas, and the selection process will primarily consider the quality of the research proposal and the applicant’s personal commitment. However, preference will be given to candidates who meet the following criteria:

  • Early and mid-career professionals with a minimum of three to five years of working experience.
  • Backgrounds in law, journalism, academia, or civic advocacy are highly desirable.
  • Age within the range of 26 to 35 years.
  • Demonstrated relevance of the program to the candidate’s professional work.

Eight exceptional candidates will be chosen based on the strength of their applications. Notifications regarding the selection will be sent out by November 15th.

Timeline

November 2024: Application and Selection

Week 1-2: Application submission period

Week 3-4: Candidate selection and notification of acceptance

December 2024: Program Kick-off and Workshop

Week 1: Program introduction and orientation (virtual session)

Week 2: Mentor meeting and setting research goals

Week 3: 4-day in-person workshop on tech policies (lectures, group discussions, practical sessions)

Week 4: Begin research development (literature review, data collection)

January 2025: Virtual Sessions and Research Progress

Week 5: First virtual session with global experts (research design and methodology)

Week 6-7: Research development, refine research questions

Week 8: Second virtual session (focus on ethical considerations and regional policy issues)

February 2025: Research Writing and Feedback

Week 9-10: Draft research paper, mentor feedback on first draft

Week 11: Peer review session with fellow participants

Week 12: Revise and refine research paper based on feedback

March 2025: Finalization and Showcase

Week 13: Third virtual session (analysis and final recommendations)

Week 14: Final revisions of the research paper

Week 15-16: Showcase your work to an esteemed audience and submit research for publication

Apply now! 

If you find yourself intrigued, possess a compelling research idea, and believe that participating in this fellowship can have a meaningful impact on both your career and the broader domain of tech policy, we strongly encourage you to submit an application. 

📆 Application Deadline: November 10, 2024

🔗 Registration Link:  https://forms.gle/rVg2gX2HRxDCabaK8