Bangladesh’s youth must be equipped not only to adapt to a rapidly changing world but to lead it—with knowledge, ethics, sensitivity to Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI), and empathy. This guiding vision shaped the Institute of Informatics and Development (IID)’s engagement as the official Policy Partner at the Brac Presents 1st S.N. Bose National Science Festival 2025. With more than 800 young participants from over 20 institutions, the festival served as a vibrant space to celebrate scientific curiosity, innovation, and civic engagement. IID’s contribution extended youth participation beyond the boundaries of science competitions to include meaningful involvement in policy discourse, social accountability, and preparation for the AI-driven future. From deep policy discussions to powerful visual storytelling through graffiti, IID emphasized that shaping a sustainable and inclusive future requires active and informed youth leadership.
As part of the festival, IID organized a dedicated side event on 24 May 2025 titled “Policy Dialogue on Bangladesh’s Readiness for the Age of AI,” held at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka. The dialogue brought together a diverse group of academics, technologists, educators, and youth advocates to assess the opportunities and challenges that AI presents for Bangladesh. Key participants included Prof. Khandaker Al Mamun (Founder, IRIIC, United International University), Fariq Sadeque (Associate Professor, BRAC University), Sadia Murshid (Director, CholPori), Afrida Jinnurain Urbee (Assistant Professor, Noakhali Science and Technology University), and Kazi Ferdous Pavel (Joint Director, IID). The session was moderated by Shakil Ahmed, a futurist educator from Ridiculous Futures, and Sunjida Rahman, Joint Director of IID, who delivered the welcome address. Representatives from organizations such as Teach for Bangladesh, Dream Shelter Foundation, CDU, Next Zen Edu, CholPori, Okkhor, 10 Minute School, and SILT also actively participated in the dialogue.
Discussions focused on AI’s capacity to enhance education, productivity, and governance, while acknowledging the serious risks of widening digital inequality, data privacy violations, and labor market disruptions. Participants highlighted the need for targeted digital literacy efforts, special provisions for persons with disabilities, and the development of inclusive, ethical, and localized AI systems that reflect Bangladesh’s linguistic and cultural diversity. The dialogue concluded with actionable recommendations, including the formulation of a comprehensive AI policy, enactment of robust data protection legislation, and expansion of affordable internet connectivity in underserved areas.
The following day, on 25 May 2025, the conversation expanded in scale and scope during a high-profile panel discussion titled “From Gen Z to Gen AI,” co-organized by Biggan Adda and IID. The panel explored how youth in Bangladesh can transition from passive consumers of AI to its active co-creators, developers, and policymakers. Distinguished panelists included Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Hon’ble Chief Adviser, Prof. Md. Mamun-Or-Rashid and Prof. Mosaddek Hossain Kamal (both from the Department of Computer Science, University of Dhaka), Fahim Mashroor, Member of Re-strategising the economy and mobilising resources for equitable and sustainable development and CEO of BDJobs, Sadia Hossain (Co-founder, YY Ventures and Impact Hub Dhaka), and Umama Fatima (Co-founder, Biggan Adda). Shakil Ahmed also moderated the session.
Panelists emphasized the importance of critical thinking, adaptability, and human-centric innovation. AI was discussed not only as a technological revolution but also as a socio-political challenge that must be rooted in democratic values and inclusive education. The session highlighted the urgency of integrating AI learning at all levels of education and encouraging youth to take ownership of digital transformation in ways that serve their communities.
Adding a powerful cultural dimension to the festival, IID curated a Graffiti Exhibition titled “প্রকাশিতব্য বৈষম্যবিরোধী গ্রাফিতি সমূহ নিয়ে ফটো অ্যালবাম এর এক ঝলক” (A Glimpse into the Upcoming Photo Album on Anti-Discrimination Graffiti), featuring artworks created by youth during the 2024 anti-discrimination movement. The exhibition served as a preview of IID’s soon-to-be-published photo album “Lest We Forget – Stories on the Wall,” which documents youth expressions on walls across the country around themes of inequality, injustice, and resistance. These graffiti works provided a visual narrative of GESI issues as seen through the eyes of young activists. The exhibition functioned as more than an art show—it was a bold statement of youth agency, turning public spaces into platforms for advocacy and social reflection.
Through these multifaceted initiatives, IID reaffirmed its commitment to creating pathways for youth leadership in the age of AI, grounded in social justice, policy reform, and inclusive innovation. The 1st S.N. Bose National Science Festival 2025 demonstrated how Bangladesh’s development vision can be led by its youth—technologically skilled, socially conscious, and policy-aware. As the nation enters an era of accelerating change, its young generation is not just preparing for the future—they are shaping it, with AI in hand and equity in mind.