Media leaders in Bangladesh are calling for self-regulation as artificial intelligence changes the way newsrooms work, warning that legal control over AI could weaken press freedom. At a policy dialogue in Dhaka on the ethical use of AI in Bangladeshi news media, speakers said the rise of AI brings both new opportunities and serious ethical risks for journalism. The event was organised by The Daily Star and the Media Resources Development Initiative, with support from UNDP. Speakers said the media should build its own standards first, rather than wait for outside rules to be imposed. One participant argued that if a small group of major media houses sets the trend, the wider industry can follow through self-regulation. Others said AI rules should match each outlet’s editorial policy and should not be dictated by outsiders. The discussion also showed that AI is already being used in Bangladeshi media, even if many journalists still lack training. One example mentioned was an AI-supported short news summary service used by a major newspaper app, showing how quickly the technology is entering routine newsroom work. At the same time, speakers warned that without proper skills, AI can create mistakes, bias, and misinformation. A university teacher at the event said journalists need to understand prompt writing well, because careful input is essential for better output. Another speaker from BBC Media Action said major investment in AI training is needed so newsroom staff can handle these tools safely and correctly.The event also highlighted how far Bangladesh still has to go in preparing its media sector for AI. A consulting editor said the industry cannot stay away from the technology and will need to join the shift, even if it arrives later than in other countries. A UNESCO representative said many journalists she worked with had limited knowledge of AI, which shows why local training and practical guidance are so important. She also said Bangladesh needs flexible, localised codes of practice that balance speed and efficiency with accountability and reliability. MRDI said it plans to prepare a broad AI guideline for print, online, and television platforms that media organisations can use more easily. That approach may help create a shared standard while still leaving room for each newsroom to shape its own policy. The main message from the dialogue was clear: AI is already part of the newsroom, but the future of journalism will depend on how responsibly it is used. If media houses invest in training, clear standards, and careful oversight, AI could improve speed and efficiency without weakening trust. For Bangladesh, that balance may decide whether AI becomes a useful newsroom tool or a source of new problems.
