The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at the American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) and the Bangladesh Internet Governance Forum (BIGF) signed a memorandum of understanding on 16 Julyto strengthen collaboration on research, policy advocacy, knowledge sharing and capacity development in internet and digital 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 on behalf of BIGF.

The partnership aims to promote multistakeholder participation in internet governance and support engagement with global initiatives, including the World Summit on the Information Society, AI for Good, the Internet Governance Forum, Fact for the Future and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance.

Under the agreement, AIUB and BIGF will jointly organise research projects, policy dialogues, awareness programmes, training initiatives and stakeholder consultations. The collaboration also seeks to increase the participation of students, researchers, journalists, civil society representatives, policymakers and technical experts in national and international discussions on internet governance and digital transformation.

Speaking before the signing ceremony, Vice-Chancellor Dr Saiful Islam said the partnership would create new opportunities for students, faculty members and researchers to engage in international discussions on internet governance, digital policy and emerging technologies.

Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Abdur Rahman said greater efforts were needed to ensure that the benefits of digital transformation reach underserved and marginalised communities.

Professor Dr AJM Shafiul Alam Bhuiyan, adviser to the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, described the agreement as an important milestone for both the department and the university.

In his opening remarks, Professor Dr Pradip Kumar Panday highlighted the role of academic institutions in promoting responsible digital governance and producing knowledge that contributes to public policy and social development.

Following the signing, Mohammad Abdul Haque thanked AIUB for the collaboration and reaffirmed BIGF’s commitment to advancing inclusive digital governance through research, dialogue, public engagement and capacity building.

AHM Bazlur Rahman said narrowing the digital divide requires attention not only to infrastructure and connectivity but also to disparities in knowledge, skills, affordability and opportunities for participation.

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.