Dhaka:Adviser to the Prime Minister on Public Administration Affairs, Md Ismail Zabihullah, emphasized the importance of a whole-of-government approach to leveraging the benefits of Artificial Intelligence (AI) during the 'AI and Innovation Dialogue'. He stressed the Prime Minister's focus on ensuring seamless interoperability across public service domains.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the dialogue was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Governance Innovation Unit of the Prime Minister's Office. The event, held at the ministry's auditorium in Dhaka, aimed to place AI at the center of Bangladesh's tech diplomacy. This dialogue was the third in a series of thematic roundtables since the ministry's conference on trade, growth, and economic diplomacy in June.
Rehan Asif Asad, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Posts, Telecommunications, Information Technology, and Science and Technology, highlighted the need for wider public access to advanced digital devices. He noted that policies from the BNP government would soon enable Bangladesh to produce inexpensive, advanced-feature phones. Asad also detailed the government's progress and future plans for AI and innovation, including establishing a high-speed and secure connectivity platform. He projected that Bangladesh would have its own sovereign AI within a year, with necessary computing chips already secured.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shama Obaed Islam, described AI as the main economic engine to achieve a trillion-dollar economy and emphasized government support for tech startups. She highlighted the need to bridge the technological gap between Dhaka and Silicon Valley and reiterated that Bangladesh aims to be a net provider of technologies. Reflecting on her background as a computer engineer, she called for measures to prevent technology-fueled gender-based violence.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Humaiun Kobir, noted that Bangladesh's economic growth has traditionally relied on garments and remittances, but achieving a trillion-dollar economy would require adding 'knowledge workers' as a key component. He clarified that 'Bangladesh First' signifies readiness for investment and cooperation.
The dialogue was inaugurated by Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury, Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who highlighted the global challenge of controlling and benefiting from AI. He stated that Bangladesh seeks to be an equitable beneficiary of AI and will act as a bridge-builder globally. The ministry plans to coordinate stakeholder views for the upcoming UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance.
The session included presentations by the ministry's International Trade, Investment and Technology Wing, and UNDP, focusing on benchmarking AI policies and establishing an AI Policy Lab in Dhaka. Lt. General (Rtd.) Md Mahfuzur Rahman discussed AI's security implications, while Joan Ai of Blanchard House Institute delivered a special address. Dr. Delwar Hossain of GIU concluded the event with a vote of thanks. The dialogue was attended by representatives from international organizations, diplomatic missions, ministries, development partners, and the technology sector.