Bangladesh hosts AI Art-A-Thon to reimagine local heritage through human-AI collaboration

The gala round of the AI-driven design competition, National AI Art-A-Thon, aimed at making AI more representative of Bangladesh's diverse culture and society, took place today (17 April) at the ICT tower, Agargaon.

This programme was organised by the UNDP) in Bangladesh and the Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) of the ICT Division under its Partnerships for a more Tolerant, Inclusive Bangladesh project, supported by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka, said a press release.

In partnership with Microsoft, the University of Toronto, the University of Cambridge, BacBon Limited, and Peace Maker Studio, this 2-day unique competition brought together Bangladeshi art practitioners, art professionals, students (artists, creators, architects, graphic designers, content makers, and other visual artists), technologists, and AI enthusiasts in a dynamic and creative competition to create AI-generated artworks that showcase Bangladesh's rich and diverse culture, making their mark in an evolving global AI landscape.

Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, special assistant to chief adviser, Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, joined the event as chief guest and stated, "Our team is advancing key reforms—from data protection to cybersecurity—while proactively shaping a comprehensive AI policy to ensure its ethical, inclusive, and safe integration in Bangladesh. 

"As AI increasingly intersects with the creative sector, preserving the voices of our ethnic communities and cultural narratives becomes a vital ethical obligation. Creatives hold a profound influence over social harmony, making their role in guiding AI's values even more critical."

"Tech-driven professions such as freelancing and digital entrepreneurship are reshaping Bangladesh's economy, and we remain committed to fostering this momentum. As we closely monitor global approaches to AI policy, we urge our tech and creative communities to actively contribute their insights. 

"Your engagement is vital in crafting inclusive, ethical AI frameworks that reflect Bangladesh's unique cultural context and ensure technology serves the broader public good," he added.

Stefan Liller, resident representative, UNDP Bangladesh, highlighted the UNDP's global priorities on AI innovation and said, "In an era marked by widespread misinformation and the potential misuse of artificial intelligence, the preservation of a nation's heritage and culture holds profound significance. As AI becomes an integral part of daily life, ethical innovation must serve as a guardian of our national identity. 

"Today marks a proud milestone for Bangladesh—not merely adapting to technological change but leading it through a pioneering initiative that ensures our cultural richness is authentically and responsibly reflected in AI."

Shish Haider Chowdhury, secretary, ICT Division, said, "The pressing concern with AI today is ethics—not in its use, but in the risk of over-reliance without critical thinking. As AI becomes a common tool for students and professionals, it is essential to guide and question it rather than follow it blindly. The National AI Art-A-Thon directly addresses this challenge, encouraging participants to engage with AI thoughtfully, recognise its limitations, and understand the importance of ethical use to prevent misuse."

Marianne Rabe Knævelsrud, Chargé d'affaires, Royal Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka, said, "As AI evolves rapidly, it is crucial to consider what shapes its development. The Art-A-Thon addresses this thoughtfully by integrating our culture, values, and pluralism into how we train and interact with AI. Bangladesh's rich heritage deserves accurate representation—not only by people but also by machines. With this responsibility, we must ensure AI reflects the diversity and depth of our identity, teaching it to align with the principles that define us."

Md Faisal Bin Majid, project manager, UNDP Bangladesh, presented a brief background of this initiative to the distinguished guests, partners, senior government officials.

The AI Art-A-Thon attracted over 2,000 initial applications nationwide, ultimately receiving 380 final submissions under two categories: Professionals and Students. From these, 21 teams were shortlisted for the final phase, reflecting the event's competitive spirit and the rising interest in AI-assisted art among Bangladesh's diverse creative communities. Demonstrating excellence in innovation and artistic vision, each category selected a winner and runner-up, celebrating the potential of human-AI collaboration in reimagining local artistic expression.

Among other distinguished guests. Sheela Tasneem Haq, Senior Governance Specialist, and  Md. Abdul Quayyum, Head of Communications, UNDP Bangladesh along with other senior government officials, joined the Art-A-Thon, chaired by Hossain Bin Amin, Project Director, Bangladesh Computer Council of the ICT Division.