Empowering the Marginalized: Dnet and iSocial Lead Critical AI Discourse at DRAPAC 2026

As Artificial Intelligence continues to reshape global economies, the conversation is shifting from technical capability to human accountability. At the DRAPAC 2026 summit, organized by Digitally Right and EngageMedia, Dnet and iSocial hosted a high-level session focused on a pivotal transition: moving from AI exclusion to genuine empowerment.

The session, moderated by Dr. Ananya Raihan (Executive Chairperson of Dnet and Chairperson of iSocial), moved beyond theoretical ethics to address the lived realities of those often left behind by the digital revolution.

From Vulnerability to Agency

The discussion highlighted that the “AI divide” isn’t just about internet access—it’s about protection and rights. Panelists emphasized the need for a gender-just and accountable ecosystem, specifically focusing on sectors where automation and algorithmic decision-making pose the greatest risks to livelihoods.

Key Insights from the Panel

The diverse panel brought together expertise in technology, labor rights, and law to dissect the complexities of an AI-driven future:

• Labor Rights & Supply Chains: Sadman Rahman (ILO) addressed the urgent need to protect garment workers’ rights as automation enters the manufacturing sector, ensuring that technology serves to uplift labor standards rather than erode them.

• Technological Infrastructure: Rakibul Hasan (CTO, Link3 Technologies) provided a technical perspective on how infrastructure must be designed with inclusivity at its core to prevent systemic bias.

• Legal Frameworks: Barrister Priya Ahsan Chowdhury (Supreme Court of Bangladesh) advocated for the independence of data regulators and robust legal frameworks to hold AI developers and users accountable.

• Transparency & RTI: Ruhi Naz (Research Initiatives, Bangladesh) emphasized the role of the Right to Information (RTI) in ensuring that data collection and AI processes remain transparent to the public.

A Vision for the Future

The consensus among the speakers was clear: AI empowerment is impossible without intentional design and strict oversight. The session concluded with a call to action for policymakers and tech leaders to prioritize human-centric AI that protects the vulnerable and promotes social equity.

“It’s not just about the technology; it’s about the people it affects.”

By bridging the gap between high-tech innovation and grassroots advocacy, Dnet and iSocial continue to lead the charge in ensuring that the future of AI in South Asia and beyond is both inclusive and just.