AI Age Ethics Emphasis: Educating a Digitally Driven, Digitally Disciplined Generation
In the context of artificial intelligence and a rapidly evolving digital reality, emphasis has been placed on equipping future generations not only with technological skills but also with ethical education. Jahir Uddin Swapon stated that if the moral foundation is weak, there arises a risk of misuse of intelligence and technology.
He issued this cautionary message while delivering the chief guest’s address at a national seminar and scholarship programme titled “The Role of Ethical Education in Implementing the ‘Bangladesh First Philosophy’,” organised by the Bangladesh Chhatra Kalyan Trust at the Daffodil Tower auditorium in the capital.
The seminar, held on 10 May, Sunday, was presided over by Dr. Abdul Latif Masum, Vice Chairman of the Bangladesh Chhatra Kalyan Trust. Nurul Haque spoke as a special guest.
Speakers also included the Chairman of the Bangladesh Chhatra Kalyan Trust and former advisor to the caretaker government Md. Moinuddin Khan, and Chairman of Daffodil International University Dr. Md. Sabur Khan.
Speakers at the event said that in the current era of social media, there is no alternative to ethics in guiding young people in the right direction. Ethical education acts as a safeguard against the spread of misinformation and cyberbullying on digital platforms. It also helps maintain peace and a sense of brotherhood in society through the practice of tolerance, mutual respect, and non-violent behaviour. A morally grounded student remains conscious of responsibilities and duties, which not only shapes academic life but also helps develop responsible citizens in the workplace. They added that ethical education is essential for ensuring good governance and transparency in society, and that the practice of honesty and justice helps eliminate corruption, nepotism, and injustice from society.
At the end of the seminar, scholarship cheques were handed over to meritorious students by the Information Minister.
Earlier, addressing the students, Information Minister Jahir Uddin Swapon said that the world is becoming rapidly digitalised. Almost everything—from personal communication, education, and business to trade—is now technology-driven. However, he noted that keeping pace with this transformation and modernising social and state structures remains a major challenge.
He said, “We must rapidly transform our state into a modern digital character. At the same time, emphasis must be placed on promoting content on social media that helps nurture values among young people.”
The minister further said that in this age of technological advancement, it is not enough to teach young people digital literacy alone; ethical values must also be instilled in their mindset. Without ethical education, he warned, proper application of knowledge and technology becomes difficult.
Referring to the political change of 5 August, Jahir Uddin Swapon said that if the moral position of responsible individuals or state leaders is weak, it also affects society and the state. Therefore, it is necessary to develop aesthetic values, humanity, and moral principles in students from early childhood.
He said, “Human beings are born with certain primitive instincts. To control them, ethical and humanitarian education from early childhood is essential. This must be reflected in the education system and curriculum.”
At the same time, the Information Minister also commented that in the past, the space for expression of opinion and constructive discussion in the country was limited. He said that such an environment for open discussion now exists and called on everyone to utilise it to build a morally grounded society.
DBTech/MI/EI/OR
