DHAKA : The Media, Communication, and Journalism (MCJ) Program at North South University (NSU), in collaboration with MILNetBD, hosted a thought-provoking webinar titled “Prompt to Power: Youth, Ethics, and Media & Information Literacy (MIL) in AI Platforms” to mark UNESCO’s Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week 2025, celebrated worldwide under the theme “Minds Over AI – MIL in Digital Spaces.”
Moderated by K. M. M. Ashfaq Ul Mushfiq, Lecturer (Part-time) at MCJ, NSU, the event brought together educators, journalists, researchers, and students to explore how artificial intelligence transforms communication, education, and civic life and how Media and Information Literacy can help young people engage with these changes critically and ethically, a press release said.
In his welcome remarks, Professor Abdur Rob Khan, NSU’s Treasurer and Pro-Vice Chancellor (In-Charge), emphasised the need for ethical and creative digital engagement. “Youth are at the heart of AI-mediated communication, yet many still lack the critical literacy necessary to navigate bias, misinformation, and algorithmic manipulation,” he said. “The real question isn’t what AI can do, but how we can use it responsibly, creatively, and inclusively to improve society.”
Dr. Md. Rizwanul Islam, Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS), added that “institutions and legal systems must adapt to ensure fairness, access, and accountability in intelligent machines.”
A vibrant presentation by Nehemiah Borman, MCJ student and NSU Student Ambassador of MILNetBD, set the tone for the discussion on “Students & Digital Ethics.” He underscored the importance of Media and Information Literacy in nurturing awareness and ethical decision-making, sharing practical examples of how students can responsibly navigate the digital world.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Carolyne Lunga, Senior Lecturer in Journalism and Media Studies at City St George’s, University of London, and Fellow of the Advance HE Academy (UK). Speaking about the opportunities and risks of generative AI, she remarked, “The power of AI is no longer a dream; it is a reality. The AI wave provides an unprecedented opportunity for young people to shape their present and future. Yet artificial intelligence is a double-edged sword; it comes with great responsibility. If left unchecked, it can expand existing inequalities.” She also commended NSU’s commitment to cultivating critical thinking among students in its Media and Journalism program.
A lively panel discussion followed, bringing together academic and media industry perspectives. Dr. Samiksha Koirala and Dr. Adila Majeed from NSU, Mr. Azad Baig, Digital Growth Editor at The Daily Star, Ms. Rumana Rahman, Senior Lecturer, East West University and representative of MILNetBD.
Dr. Samiksha Koirala observed that media literacy is inseparable from power and accountability. “AI is not neutral; it carries the biases and prejudices of its users. Our best defence is still human critical thinking. Youth participation cannot be optional; it must be central,” she said, calling for greater inclusivity and awareness of digital systems’ operation.
Mr. Azad Baig encouraged young participants to maintain their agency amid AI’s rise: “Treat AI as your assistant, not your replacement. Keep your digital integrity and use your creativity, that’s your superpower. AI can’t replicate lived experience, and those human qualities make us truly powerful.”
Focusing on the policy dimension, Dr. Adila Majeed noted, “The first responsibility lies with media outlets and the government. Policymakers must regulate how AI is used and ensure transparency about what is AI-generated and what is not. We need to be vigilant about where our information comes from.”
Ms. Rumana Rahman emphasised journalism’s renewed responsibility in the age of deepfakes “Journalists are now called to be guardians of truth. Media literacy equips youth to question and verify information so that AI prompts become empowerment tools, not manipulation.”
Reflecting on the collective dialogue, ZarinTasnim, Lecturer in MCJ and Faculty Ambassador of MILNetBD at NSU, highlighted the spirit of collaboration that defined the event. “The reflections shared by Dr. Lunga, Dr. Koirala, Dr. Majeed, and Ms. Rumana have made today’s dialogue truly diverse and global in scope. Our MCJ program will continue working with MILNetBD and UNESCO to advance Media and Information Literacy, keeping ethics, inclusion, and youth empowerment at the heart of everything we do.”
The webinar concluded with a Vote of Thanks from Dr. Rizwan Khair, Chair of the Department of Political Science and Sociology, who reminded participants of the balance between technology and humanity. “AI is a useful tool for summarising and sorting through information, but the human factor remains vital,” he said. “Think of it as a sandwich model human, AI, and human again. AI can assist, but humans must decide when and how to proceed.”
