Bangladesh Diocese Trains 55 Young Communicators in Journalism and Responsible AI Use

The Catholic Diocese of Barishal in southern Bangladesh held its seventh Writers’ Workshop from November 6 to 8, bringing together around 55 participants to strengthen communication skills and promote the responsible use of media and artificial intelligence (AI).

Organized by the diocese’s Social Communication Commission at the Bishop’s House in Barishal, the three-day workshop carried the theme, “The Dignity of Humanity: Becoming Fruitful through the Use of Media and Artificial Intelligence.”

The program aimed to improve participants’ writing abilities, encourage the constructive use of media, and promote the ethical application of AI in communication. It also sought to develop creativity, critical thinking, and effective communication skills in the service of humanity.

Training sessions and experience-sharing activities covered journalism, news and feature writing, creative writing techniques, and the responsible use of AI. Resource persons guided participants in understanding how emerging communication technologies could be used in ways that uphold human dignity and Christian values.

Addressing the participants, Bishop Emmanuel K. Rozario emphasized the importance of using communication tools for the common good.

“May the pen and technology become instruments of positive change in promoting truth, humanity, and the Good News,” he said.

One participant said the workshop had provided an opportunity to discover new areas of knowledge and develop a better understanding of media and communication.

“Previously, there were many things about this subject that I did not know. However, through participating in this workshop, I was able to discover and learn many new things,” the participant said.

The participant added that such initiatives were valuable even for those not directly involved in journalism.

The program also included a campfire gathering, providing participants an opportunity for fellowship and experience-sharing. The workshop coincided with the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the Episcopal Commission for Social Communication.

Through the initiative, the diocese sought to equip young communicators with practical skills and an ethical framework for engaging with traditional and digital media, particularly as artificial intelligence increasingly shapes the communication landscape.