The Bangla WikiConference 2024 was a truly unforgettable experience for me. Held at the beautiful Dream Square Resort in Gazipur on November 15-16, the event brought together passionate Wikimedians from various corners of the region. As a member of the organizing team, I had the privilege of working in with the scholarship team. It was a journey filled with challenges, learning, and camaraderie.
Scholarship Team: A Balancing Act
Being part of the scholarship team was one of the most challenging yet rewarding tasks. Alongside my dedicated team, we had the responsibility of deciding who would receive scholarships. This was no easy feat, as we received numerous applications from deserving candidates. My heart ached every time we had to decline a valid request due to limited resources. Yet, we managed to approve most of the genuine applications, ensuring the representation of diverse contributors at the conference.
Weekly team meetings were crucial during this process. We evaluated our work, adapted our strategies, and supported each other through the stress of making difficult decisions. Despite the challenges, this phase taught me valuable lessons in teamwork, decision-making, and balancing fairness with practicality. The collaboration and mutual respect within the team made the process smoother and more impactful.
Journey to Dream Square Resort
The day before the conference, I joined a group of Wikimedians on a shuttle bus from Dhaka to the resort. The journey was a delightful prelude to the conference itself. Familiar faces, lively discussions, and debates filled the atmosphere, making the two-hour ride feel like a family gathering. Conversations ranged from Wikipedia’s growth to shared personal stories, setting a warm and inspiring tone for the days ahead.
Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by Yahya Bhai at the reception. The lush greenery and serene environment of the resort were immediately calming. Although I was initially alone in my room, the constant presence of fellow Wikimedians turned the evening into a lively brainstorming session that lasted late into the night. The camaraderie and shared passion for our work made every moment special.
The First Day: A Packed Schedule
The conference officially began with an opening session and a speech by Wikipedian Faizul Latif, whose words resonated deeply with the audience. The first day was packed with insightful sessions, including a panel discussion by administrators. The night before, me, Yahya, Riaz, and Subrata Da had prepared for this discussion in my room. Their dedication was inspiring and set a high standard for the session.
During the administrators’ session, we delved into pressing issues like small vandalism and the challenges faced by Bangla Wikipedia’s administrators. Sharing these experiences with my peers was both enlightening and reassuring, as we collectively brainstormed solutions and strategies. Later, I had the honor of handing over certificates and awards to Nettime Sujata for the Wikibooks Writing Competition 2024 and the Wiktionary Entry Competition, which were significant milestones in our community’s journey.
The evening ended with a thrilling football match, where my team secured a 4-0 victory. It was a wonderful way to unwind and bond with other participants. Post-dinner, the organizing team held a review meeting, evaluating the day’s activities and planning for the next. Conversations with fellow Wikimedians like Sakib, Yahya, Nahid, Moheen, Rocky and Tanvir Bhai continued into the night, further deepening our connections and sparking new ideas.
The Second Day: Sessions and New Beginnings
The second day was equally enriching. I conducted two sessions: one on “Checkmate” with Maruf and another on the recent Wikibooks and Wiktionary competitions. Sharing the successes and challenges of these projects with an engaged audience was immensely satisfying. The discussions during and after the sessions highlighted the community’s keen interest in collaborative projects and innovative ideas. A group photo captured the spirit of the event, creating a lasting memory.
An exciting development during this day was the conceptualization of “Wikipatrika,” a magazine for the Bangla Wikipedia community. After discussing the idea with fellow Wikimedians, Khattab Hasan agreed to lead the initiative, and we formed an editorial team. This marked the beginning of what I hope will become a vibrant platform for sharing knowledge, updates, and stories from our community. The enthusiasm around this initiative was contagious, and I am optimistic about its potential impact.
Parting Thoughts
As the conference came to an end, my throat was sore from days of talking, but my heart was full. Saying goodbye was emotional. The bonds formed, experiences shared, and lessons learned made it difficult to leave. The return journey to Dhaka was filled with reflections and continued conversations, a testament to the event’s impact. Even after returning home, the energy and inspiration of the conference lingered with me.
The Bangla WikiConference 2024 was more than just an event; it was a celebration of community, collaboration, and shared purpose. It reaffirmed my belief in the power of collective efforts to create something meaningful. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute and to learn from so many inspiring individuals. I look forward to more such gatherings where we can exchange ideas, strengthen our community, and build lasting memories together. Until then, the experiences and lessons from this conference will remain etched in my heart as a guiding light.
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