Two-Day Workshop on AI in Journalism Begins at DRU: ‘AI Is Not a Replacement for Journalists, but a Tool to Enhance Their Strength’
NN Report
A two-day workshop on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in journalism, focusing on its possibilities, risks, and digital security, began on Friday at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU). The workshop was inaugurated in the morning at the Shafiqul Kabir Auditorium of DRU.
Titled “AI-Powered Journalism,” the workshop is being organized with the support of information technology company Gameplify. A total of 60 DRU members are participating in the training program.
Speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural session, DRU General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel said the initiative aims to prepare journalists to keep pace with rapid technological advancements.
“Being able to verify which content is generated by AI and which is not has now become essential for journalists,” he said.
He emphasized that responsible journalism is not possible without understanding how AI works and what its limitations are. “This kind of training will help us learn new skills. AI is not a substitute for journalists; rather, it is a tool to enhance their strength,” he added, expressing gratitude to Gameplify for standing beside journalists.
Delivering the welcome address via video conference, Moshiur Rahman, Founder and Chairman of Gameplify XYZ, said journalists are working in a time when the speed of news dissemination is faster than ever, while the spread of misinformation has also become more dangerous.
“In this reality, AI presents a huge opportunity on one hand and a major risk on the other,” he said.
“Let me be very clear—AI can never replace journalists. It is only a tool to empower them,” Rahman noted. He explained that AI can help identify trends, uncover hidden story potentials within data, and detect patterns that might escape the human eye. “But understanding ground realities, reading human emotions, and making ethical decisions will always remain the responsibility of journalists,” he added.
He further stated that ethics, verification, and digital safety have now become the core pillars of journalism. “We want Bangladeshi journalists to be part of world-class digital journalism, not confined only within national boundaries. DRU has long been safeguarding journalists’ professional standards, unity, and dignity. Gameplify wants to be a technological and intellectual partner in that journey,” he said.
Mahfuzur Rahman, Managing Director of Gameplify, said the world has moved beyond the information age and entered the age of artificial intelligence. “A time may soon come when AI surpasses human intelligence—known as ‘singularity.’ This transformation is creating new opportunities for journalism, while also bringing significant challenges and risks,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the workshop would have a positive impact on journalists’ professional skills and careers, adding that Gameplify aims to stand beside journalists in addressing emerging risks.
DRU Information Technology and Training Secretary Mahmud Sohel said journalists must always stay ahead in information and technology. “Without a clear understanding of AI, it will be difficult to survive in mainstream journalism in the future,” he said, adding that similar training programs will continue throughout the year for DRU members.
The workshop is being coordinated by DRU member Mohammad Imam Hossain Sohel.
On the first day, training sessions were conducted by Ariful Islam Arman, Head of New Initiatives at Dhaka Post, and Maliha Tabassum, Assistant Professor at the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP).
DRU Vice President Mehdi Azad Masum, Joint Secretary Md. Zafar Iqbal, Organizing Secretary MM Jasim, Office Secretary Rashim Molla, Hospitality Secretary Aminul Haque Bhuiyan, and Executive Members Al-Amin Azad, Suman Chowdhury, and Md. Mazaharul Islam were present at the event among others.
On the second day, DRU members will receive hands-on training on various AI tools relevant to journalism.