Bangladesh should invest in artificial intelligence (AI) talent, digital infrastructure and research while strengthening digital sovereignty to emerge as a competitive AI-enabled economy, speakers said at a discussion in the capital on Wednesday, reports UNB.
The country has a unique opportunity to harness AI for sustainable economic growth by capitalising on its youthful workforce, expanding digital infrastructure and ongoing policy reforms but the rapid rise of AI also presents challenges related to data privacy, intellectual property, surveillance and the erosion of human creativity and critical thinking, they viewed.
Their observations came at a discussion titled "AI Future for Bangladesh: Challenges and Prospects" held in the capital.
Speakers said Bangladesh should prioritise developing AI talent, integrating AI into high-impact sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education and industry, and transforming its ICT outsourcing sector into a knowledge-driven AI services industry capable of competing in global value chains.
They also underscored the need for a national AI ecosystem built on research, innovation, digital infrastructure and international collaboration, saying countries that invest wisely in AI today will be better positioned to shape the future global economy.
President of Eelaia Foundation and Honorary Consul of Ireland in Bangladesh Masud Khan said Bangladesh is well positioned to transition towards an AI-driven economy under the National AI Policy 2026-2030.
He said the country's priorities should include developing AI skills among young people, promoting AI adoption in high-impact sectors such as agriculture, healthcare and education, and transforming the ICT outsourcing industry into a knowledge-based AI services sector capable of competing in global value chains.
Founder and president of the Institute of Strategic Intelligence Prof Henrik Von Scheel described AI as a transformative technology that raises serious concerns over intellectual property and data ownership.
