Shikho, a Bangladesh-based edtech company, has recently introduced a beta version of Shikho AI, an artificial intelligence tool aimed at addressing educational gaps for Bangla-speaking students. The platform, which initially focuses on resolving academic doubts in Bangla, represents the company’s first foray into AI-driven learning solutions. While access is currently limited to existing paid users, the long-term vision includes expanding to teachers, parents, and schools.
The tool relies on generative AI models fine-tuned for education, incorporating Bangla-language processing and reinforcement learning from human feedback. To understand its potential, The Daily Star spoke with Shahir Chowdhury, Shikho’s founder and CEO, about the platform’s development, challenges, and aspirations.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star’s Google News channel. TDS: What prompted the development of Shikho AI, and how does it fit into the broader educational landscape in Bangladesh?
Chowdhury: Bangladesh’s education system faces two systemic issues: uneven access to resources and a lack of contextualised materials for Bangla speakers. While traditional edtech platforms have made strides, personalisation remains a hurdle. With advancements in AI, we saw an opportunity to address these gaps more dynamically.
Shikho AI builds on six years of curriculum-aligned content development here. The beta phase allows us to test solutions tailored to local needs, such as doubt-solving in Bangla. Our goal is not just to replicate existing models but to adapt them for scalability—first within Bangladesh, then potentially for Bangla-speaking populations globally.
TDS: Why prioritise doubt-solving as the initial focus?
Chowdhury: Doubt-solving is often where learning stalls, especially for students in large, under-resourced classrooms. Many learners struggle to get the support they need, either due to a lack of access to quality teachers or the sheer scale of the classroom environment. Many students avoid asking questions due to fear of judgment or limited access to instructors.
We want to break down this barrier by acting as a 24/7 co-pilot, providing a safe, private space for learners to ask any question without hesitation. This focus on doubt-solving addresses two critical challenges at once: removing the stigma of asking for help and delivering instant, accessible support.
TDS: How does Shikho AI ensure response accuracy, given concerns about AI-generated errors?
Chowdhury: Accuracy is critical, especially in education. The AI combines curriculum-specific data with human oversight. A team of educators reviews outputs, and students can rate responses, creating a feedback loop to refine the model. This “human-in-the-loop” approach, used by other AI firms, aims to balance automation with quality control.
Students also have the option to rate responses, helping to refine the AI’s capabilities over time. This feedback-driven model is similar to strategies used by leading AI companies, ensuring continuous enhancement of the system’s performance.
TDS: What measures are in place to ensure accessibility across socioeconomic groups?
Chowdhury: A freemium model will provide core features for free, while advanced tools may require payment. The platform is optimised for low-cost smartphones and minimal data usage—a necessity in regions with limited connectivity. Partnerships with NGOs and government bodies could broaden reach, though such discussions are ongoing.
TDS: How might this technology reshape the role of teachers?
Chowdhury: Teachers often spend hours on administrative tasks like grading. By automating some workflows, Shikho AI could free up time for mentorship. For instance, the platform can generate student performance analytics, which might help educators identify struggling learners.
Our vision is to transform teachers into strategic facilitators, equipped with AI-driven insights to deliver more impact. In the future, we will expand to include tools tailored specifically to educators’ needs, ensuring they benefit fully from the technology we are building.
