Bangla sign language translator wins at FutureMakers

At first glance, Feroza Mahzabin appears to be just another computer science (CS) student at BRAC University – someone quietly fascinated by algorithms and the possibilities of artificial intelligence (AI). But her latest project may transform communication for an entire community in Bangladesh that has long been left unheard.

Her AI-based project, Ishara: Bangla Sign Language Translator, is designed to bridge the gap between people who use sign language and those who do not. 

Her work took centre stage at the grand finale of Grameenphone's FutureMakers, an AI innovation competition held on November 5, where her one-person team named Team Watermelon, was declared the champion.

The project uses AI to interpret Bangla sign language gestures and convert them into written text or spoken sentences. It also works the other way around by turning everyday Bangla speech or writing into sign language visuals. 

"In hospitals, corporate offices, or even customer service desks, people with hearing or speech impairments often struggle to communicate," Mahzabin explained. "My goal is to make sure technology helps eliminate that barrier."

"My idea is to develop a platform for Bangla sign language where people can use it for easier communication," Mahzabin said. "Initially, I plan to work with hospitals and institutions on a B2B basis to collect datasets. After that, we can think of a full-scale rollout."

Team Opion consisting of Md. Ridwan Sakib Anjum and Wasik Yousha from Bangladesh University of Professionals, secured the first runner-up position with its AI-Driven News Credibility Platform. 

Team Synapz, consisting of Nuzhat Islam Noumi, Rohan Arpon, and Ankon Ahamed from the Islamic University of Technology, and Team Lasta, comprising Tanisha Tarannum, Basmah Zora, and Mahee Al Mobasherin from IBA, University of Dhaka, jointly secured the second runner-up position for their projects AI Inclusion for Differently-abled Learners, and Disha: Financial Inclusion Through AI, respectively.

The winners received their awards from the Grameenphone judging panel, which included Yasir Azman, Chief Executive Officer; Syeda Tahya Hossain, Chief Human Resources Officer; Dr. Asif Naimur Rashid, Chief Business Officer; and Dr. Niranjan Srinivasan, Chief Information Officer.

This edition of FutureMakers received 782 idea submissions engaging over 4,000 students. The evaluation criteria for FutureMakers emphasised on originality, feasibility, social impact, and the meaningful application of AI in addressing real-world challenges.

Sayeda Tahya Hossain, Chief Human Resources Officer of Grameenphone, said, "Through initiatives like this, we aim to inspire a mindset of innovation and problem-solving among youth, helping them harness the power of AI for good. We visited over 28 universities and did both physical and digital roadshows."

According to Grameenphone, the winners of the competition will receive an accelerated pathway to the company's flagship talent development programmes. Along with prize money, they will also have the opportunity to refine their ideas and gain practical experience in real-world innovation environments.