The Bangladesh Internet Governance Forum (BIGF) and the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication of the American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) today signed a memorandum of understanding to 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 Professor Dr. 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 programmes, 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, Dr. 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. Dr. Abdur Rahman, Pro-Vice Chancellor of AIUB, said further efforts were required to extend the benefits of digital transformation to underserved and marginalized communities. He underscored the importance of reaching people at the grassroots level and enabling them to participate in, and benefit from, technological development.

Prof. Dr. 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.

He said Internet governance affects all citizens and stressed the need to ensure that people from different social and economic backgrounds can participate meaningfully in shaping digital policies and governance frameworks.

Opening the programme, Head of JMC Department Professor Dr. 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.

“Bridging the digital divide and narrowing the knowledge gap are fundamental to building a just and equitable society,” he said. “Continued disparities between urban and rural communities and among different socio-economic groups require sustained and coordinated action.”

He called for stronger collaboration among academic institutions, Government agencies, civil society organizations, the private sector, the technical community and the media to ensure that digital transformation benefits all sections of society.

The signing ceremony was also attended by Dr. Tazul Islam, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences; Dr. 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.

The participants emphasized that effective digital governance requires broad public participation and should take into account the needs and experiences of women, young people, rural communities, persons with disabilities and other groups that may be underrepresented in digital policy processes.

BIGF and AIUB called on universities, public institutions, media organizations, technology companies, civil society groups and development partners to support inclusive research, public dialogue and capacity-building on Internet and digital governance.

The memorandum reflects the two institutions’ shared commitment to advancing a digital ecosystem that is inclusive, accountable, rights-based and environmentally sustainable.