EWU launches Global MIL Week 2025 with UNESCO and MILNetBD
The Department of Information Studies of East West University (EWU) has inaugurated a weeklong celebration of Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week 2025, in collaboration with the UNESCO Dhaka Office and the Media and Information Literacy Network Bangladesh (MILNetBD).
Held under the global theme "Minds Over AI – MIL in Digital Spaces," the celebration began with an inaugural ceremony and a colourful rally on the EWU campus.
Dr Susan Vize, Head of Office and UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh; Professor Dr Shams Rahman, Vice Chancellor, EWU; Professor Dr Mohammad Ashik Mosaddik, Pro-Vice Chancellor, EWU; Professor Dr Saquiba Yesmine of Jahangirnagar University; Dr Md Saiful Alam, Professor, Department of Information Studies; and Professor Dr Dilara Begum, President of MILNetBD and Chairperson of the Department of Information Studies, graced the event. Faculty members, information professionals, alumni and students from various universities joined the celebration.
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In his remarks, Professor Dr Shams Rahman commended the department for "being at the forefront of promoting digital and information literacy in Bangladesh" and for leading awareness on the ethical use of artificial intelligence.
Dr Susan Vize highlighted the importance of AI ethics and reaffirmed UNESCO's commitment to promoting MIL in higher education. Professor Dr Mohammad Ashik Mosaddik stressed that MIL plays a critical role in preparing citizens to navigate today's digital society.
Presiding over the session, Professor Dr Dilara Begum emphasised integrating media and information literacy into education to build a more responsible generation capable of using digital tools ethically.
The celebration will continue throughout the week with interactive programmes, including an awareness campaign (October 27, 29–31), a panel discussion on "Integration of Media and Information Literacy in Higher Education" and a quiz competition on "MIL: A Skill Set for Navigating the Modern Information Landscape" on October 28, followed by a debate on "Is Artificial Intelligence an Alternative to Information Literacy?" on October 29.
Currently, 14 universities across Bangladesh are active members of MILNetBD. Through this initiative, EWU, MILNetBD, and UNESCO Dhaka Office aim to foster ethical digital citizenship, strengthen information literacy education, and promote responsible engagement with media and AI across Bangladesh's higher education sector.
