Dhaka: The first artificial intelligence (AI) technology-based platform for the Bengali language, ‘Kagoj.ai’, has been launched. Alongside it, a new Bengali font called ‘July’ has also been officially introduced. The formal inauguration took place at Hotel InterContinental in Dhaka, at an event organised by the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Fayez Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser responsible for the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, inaugurated the platforms. In his address, Taiyeb revealed that at least 4,000 people have used the platform experimentally in the last two weeks, achieving positive results. The API is being opened to make the Bengali language accessible to everyone.
Taiyeb emphasized the importance of preserving linguistic and cultural diversity, announcing plans to collect 10,000 minutes of oral language data from each ethnic community. He stated that a Bengali Large Language Model (LLM) will be developed to help protect and sustain local languages in the digital space. Furthermore, he noted that the source code will be opened, ensuring cyber security, and that increased platform usage would help identify challenges more quickly, thereby accelerating development and improving the overall ecosystem.
It is noteworthy that ‘Kagoj.ai’ will ensure the use of artificial intelligence in Bangla language writing, official document preparation, language processing, and content creation. This marks a significant milestone in the digital advancement of the Bengali language. Meanwhile, the new Bangla font ‘July’ has been created for official and institutional use, which will help eliminate existing limitations in computer-based Bengali writing.
The two services inaugurated have been developed through the ‘Enrichment of Bengali Language in Information Technology through Research and Development’ project, implemented by the Bangladesh Computer Council under the Information and Communication Technology Division. The event was presided over by the Secretary of the Information and Communication Technology Division, Shish Haider Chowdhury. The occasion was attended by Bangla Academy Director General Professor Dr. Mohammad Azam, Additional Secretary of the Posts and Telecommunications Department Zahirul Islam, officials from various government and private departments, technology experts, and invited guests.