The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication of the American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) and The Bangladesh Internet Governance Forum (BIGF) on Thursday, July 16, signed a memorandum of understanding for extensive collaboration.
As per agreement, they will strengthen research, policy advocacy, knowledge sharing, capacity development, and multistakeholder participation in Internet and digital governance and UN process of the World Summit on the Information Society, AI for Good, Internet Governance Forum, Fact for the future and Global Dialogue on AI Governance.
The agreement was signed at AIUB by Prof Pradip Kumar Panday, head of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, and Mohammad Abdul Haque, representing BIGF.
The collaboration comes as the increasing use of artificial intelligence, digital platforms and data-driven technologies is creating new opportunities while also raising concerns related to inequality, public participation, accountability and the protection of rights in digital environments.
Under the memorandum, BIGF and AIUB will jointly organize research activities, policy dialogues, awareness programs, training initiatives and stakeholder consultations.
The partnership is intended to strengthen the participation of students, researchers, journalists, civil society representatives, policymakers, technical experts and other stakeholders in national and international discussions on Internet governance and digital transformation.
Before signing of the MoU, Saiful Islam, vice chancellor of AIUB, expressed the expectation that the partnership would create opportunities for students, faculty members and researchers to engage in international discussions and initiatives related to Internet governance, digital policy and emerging technologies.
Prof Abdur Rahman, pro-vice chancellor of AIUB, said further efforts were required to extend the benefits of digital transformation to underserved and marginalized communities.
Prof AJM Shafiul Alam Bhuiyan, adviser to the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, described the agreement as an important institutional development for the department and AIUB.
Opening the program, head of JMC Department Prof Pradip Kumar Panday emphasized the role of academic institutions in supporting responsible digital governance and producing knowledge that can contribute to public policy and social development.
Speaking after the signing, Mohammad Abdul Haque thanked AIUB for the collaboration and reaffirmed BIGF’s commitment to promoting inclusive digital governance through research, dialogue, public engagement and capacity-building.
AHM Bazlur Rahman said that closing the digital divide required attention not only to infrastructure and connectivity but also to differences in knowledge, skills, affordability and opportunities for participation.
The signing ceremony was also attended by Tazul Islam, dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences; Faria Sultana, associate dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences; faculty members of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication; and representatives of BIGF.
