Photo : Collected

DHAKA, Jan 30, 2026 (BSS) - The Global South Initiative for Media and AI Literacy (GSIMAL) was officially launched here today.

The organisation aims to advance critical media and AI literacy as a "citizen right" and to address the unique challenges that the Global South faces in the age of embedded Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The inauguration programme opened with a welcome address by Dr. Nasrin Pervin, a faculty member at North South University and coordinator of GSIMAL.

She highlighted the growing confusion caused by AI-driven misinformation and stressed the need to treat media and AI literacy as a public-interest issue.

Delivering the keynote speech, Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha Managing Director and Chief Editor Mahbub Morshed emphasised that many Bangladeshi newsrooms are still new to AI technologies.

He described GSIMAL as an important platform for students, teachers, and media professionals.

Several advisers and guests shared their reflections on the impact of AI on information and society.

Dr. Lee Guo from the University of Nebraska, Omaha, said the initiative would help empower voices from the Global South.

Professor Sk Tawfique M. Haque of North South University noted that non-traditional media is increasingly shaping how students access information.

Dr. Bulbul Siddiqi warned about the risks of deepfake content and misinformation during elections, while Dr. Harisur Rahman, Co-Founder & Advisor, outlined GSIMAL’s vision of enabling citizens to meaningfully engage with media and AI governance.

Jacob Anderson, Founder of Logic Lens, said AI presents both opportunities and threats depending on its use.

The event concluded with closing remarks from GSIMAL Founder Sakir Mohammad, who said discussions on media and AI are no longer optional.

He also highlighted the organisation’s focus on volunteer-driven and low-cost activities. The programme was hosted by Tasmim Alam Ruponti, Youth Outreach & Training Coordinator. 

GSIML aims to promote inclusive, ethical, and accessible AI and media literacy across the Global South.