Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence in Bangladeshi News Media
Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence in Bangladeshi News Media
Publish Date: 2026-06-21 16:12:00
Source Domain: www.thedailystar.net
Media Resources Development Initiative (MRDI) and The Daily Star, with support from United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), held a roundtable on April 06, 2026. The roundtable brought together key stakeholders to examine the growing role of artificial intelligence in journalism worldwide, develop ethical frameworks for the use of AI in news media, strengthen professional capacity, reinforce information integrity, and promote responsible, transparent, and trustworthy journalism practices. Here is a summary of the discussion.
Syed Samiul Basher Anik
Manager, Programme
Media Resources Development Initiative (MRDI)
AI is already being used in Bangladeshi newsrooms, mainly for translation, content creation, data processing, and audience engagement. With this growing use comes important gaps, especially in editorial supervision and ethical oversight, which can affect the quality and reliability of information reaching readers. Findings from recent assessments show that many journalists use AI tools regularly, often relying on free platforms, yet face challenges due to limited knowledge and training. Moreover, awareness at the institutional level remains low, as most media houses lack clear policies or guidelines on the use of AI. Although AI use has expanded into research, verification, and data analysis, the process largely remains informal and ad hoc. As a result, transparency and disclosure are not consistently ensured, which may create confusion among audiences. As a solution to these, structured policies, capacity building, and ethical guidelines are needed. Greater collaboration among media, academia, and development partners, along with human oversight and training, can help secure responsible AI use while strengthening public trust and sustainability in journalism.
Shakhawat Liton
Executive Editor
The Business Standard
Ethical journalism is not only about personal honesty; it also requires the ability to question power, ensure…
