AI Collective Launches Bangladesh Chapter to Champion Ethical AI

The AI Collective, a global non-profit community that brings together more than 70,000 founders, researchers, operators and investors exploring the frontiers of artificial intelligence, has launched its Bangladesh Chapter with an inaugural gathering in Gulshan-2, Dhaka. 

The organisation describes its mission as empowering the AI ecosystem to steer the technology’s future toward trust, openness and human flourishing. 

Convenor Mohammed Asif opened the event with an overview of the new chapter’s purpose, stressing a community-first approach to ethics in AI development and use. 

“We believe that AI has the power to transform our world for the better, but this can only be achieved by building a community that prioritises ethical principles and shared knowledge,” he said, calling for progress grounded in “trust, transparency, and a focus on human well-being.” 

Founding member Syeda Nawshad Jahan Promee moderated a panel featuring Dr Shamim Ahmed Deowan, Associate Professor in the Department of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Dhaka, and Firoze Muhammad Zahidur Rahman, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Solution Architect of Loosely Coupled Technologies Sdn. Bhd. in Malaysia. 

The discussion examined AI’s impact on education and development, as well as the implications for research, industry and the labour market. 

Dr Ahmed Deowan urged the creation of an “AI Ethical Care Centre” and greater collaboration among universities, government and industry, adding that Bangladesh should consider a national robot policy. Rahman emphasized the importance of clearly differentiating between ethical and illegal practices in AI to prevent public misconceptions. 

An open forum followed, drawing contributions from technologists, educators, CTOs, bankers, trainers and human resources professionals on AI’s likely influence on society and daily life. 

Dr Tanzima Hashem, Head of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at BUET, said banning students from using tools such as ChatGPT could hinder learning and argued instead for guidance on practical use. 

Dr Hasan Mahmood, a learning and development specialist at Beximco Pharmaceuticals, urged participants to view AI as an assistive partner that sharpens human skills rather than replacing them. 

G.M. Faruk Ahmed, Assistant General Manager in the Cybersecurity Division at Rupali Bank PLC and a cybersecurity trainer, called for drafting and finalising a National AI Policy with active participation from regulators across sectors. 

The event concluded with thanks and remarks from founding member Sami Al Islam, who emphasized the importance of community-building and outlined plans for future programs to advance discussions on ethical AI in Bangladesh. 

About the AI Collective Bangladesh Chapter
The Bangladesh Chapter is the local arm of the AI Collective’s global network, which supports community-led events, workshops and research to promote responsible AI. It aims to provide a platform for innovators, founders, researchers and practitioners to share knowledge and advocate for a human-centric approach to AI.