Bangladesh hosted its first-ever AI-driven design competition, the National AI Art-A-Thon, aimed at making artificial intelligence (AI) more representative of the country’s diverse culture and society.
Organized by the UNDP and Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC), the event took place at the ICT Tower in Agargaon under the "Partnership for a More Tolerant, Inclusive Bangladesh" project, supported by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka. The two-day competition brought together Bangladeshi artists, designers, technologists, and AI enthusiasts to create AI-generated artworks that reflect the nation's rich cultural heritage.
The competition was made possible through collaborations with Microsoft, the University of Toronto, the University of Cambridge, BacBon Limited, and Peace Maker Studio.
In his address as the chief guest, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, highlighted the government’s efforts in advancing key reforms like data protection and cybersecurity, while working on a comprehensive AI policy to ensure the technology is integrated ethically, inclusively, and safely in Bangladesh.
“As AI intersects with the creative sector, it is our ethical responsibility to preserve the voices of our ethnic communities and cultural narratives,” Taiyeb stated. “Creativity has a profound influence on social harmony, making it critical for guiding AI’s values.”
Stefan Liller, Resident Representative at UNDP Bangladesh, emphasized the importance of ethical AI innovation. He said, "Today marks a proud milestone for Bangladesh, not only adapting to technological change but leading it by ensuring our cultural richness is authentically reflected in AI."
Shish Haider Chowdhury, Secretary of the ICT Division, discussed the challenges of AI ethics, stressing the importance of critical thinking when using AI tools. He added that the National AI Art-A-Thon encourages participants to engage with AI responsibly and avoid over-reliance on the technology.
Marianne Rabe Kn'velsrud, Chargé d'Affaires at the Royal Norwegian Embassy, emphasized the need for AI to reflect Bangladesh's diverse identity and cultural values. "AI must align with the principles that define us as a society," she said.
The competition attracted over 2,000 applications nationwide, with 380 final submissions from professionals and students. Twenty-one teams were shortlisted for the final phase, highlighting the growing interest in AI-assisted art within Bangladesh’s creative communities.
