The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in journalism is presenting unprecedented opportunities alongside significant ethical concerns, industry experts warned during a policy dialogue in Dhaka today. The event, titled “Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence in Bangladeshi News Media,” was organized by The Daily Star and the Media Resources Development Initiative (MRDI), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Shakhawat Liton, executive editor of The Business Standard, cautioned against implementing legal regulations for AI in media. “Our political and social culture is such that whenever a problem arises, we want to solve it through laws. By moving towards a legal framework for AI, we are indirectly handing the government another tool to control the media,” he remarked, underscoring that laws are often designed to constrain rather than empower freedom.
Shawkat Hossain, head of online news management at Prothom Alo, argued that AI regulations should align with a media outlet’s editorial policy, asserting that external parties should not dictate such rules. This sentiment was echoed by Dr. Md Saiful Alam Chowdhury, an associate professor at Dhaka University, who warned that calling for government regulation, given the authorities’ current level of AI literacy, could lead to disastrous consequences.
Journalist Talat Mamun suggested a self-regulatory approach, proposing that if 10 to 15 leading media houses establish their own AI standards, it could set a trend within the sector. He emphasized that such a move would allow the industry to regulate itself effectively.
MRDI Executive Director Hasibur Rahman outlined plans to develop comprehensive AI guidelines suitable for print, online, and television platforms, aiming to facilitate adoption by any media organization. The conversation also turned to current AI applications within Bangladeshi media, where Shawkat highlighted that the 60-word news summaries in Prothom Alo’s “Shorts” app are predominantly AI-generated. Nevertheless, he noted that a lack of AI training among journalists remains a pressing concern.
Kamal Ahmed, consulting editor at The Daily Star, remarked on the industry’s slow adaptation to AI technology. “We are still far behind in using AI. But we cannot remain detached from this train. No matter how late, we have to get on board,” he stated, calling for urgency in embracing technological advancements.
Md Al Mamun, country director of BBC Media Action, reiterated the necessity for significant investments in AI training, cautioning that inadequate oversight could lead to critical errors in reporting. Dr. Sumon Rahman of University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh emphasized the intellectual importance of mastering “prompt writing” to mitigate bias and misinformation in AI-generated content.
Dr. Susan Vize, UNESCO representative in Bangladesh, highlighted the UN’s role in equipping journalists with AI tools, noting that approximately 3,500 journalists received training alongside the Press Institute Bangladesh prior to the elections. “I was actually a little bit surprised at the lack of knowledge of many of these people about AI,” she remarked, pointing to the urgent need for localized, adaptable codes of practice in Bangladesh. She suggested that regional examples, such as those from Southeast Europe, could offer valuable guidance in balancing AI-driven efficiency with accountability and reliability.
As discussions on ethical AI in journalism continue to evolve, industry leaders face the challenge of navigating the balance between leveraging technology and ensuring responsible reporting. The future of journalism in Bangladesh may hinge on how effectively the sector adapts to these challenges while maintaining its commitment to integrity and freedom of the press.
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