Today marked the official release of the first national artificial intelligence (AI) readiness assessment report, which aims to create ethical, inclusive, and human-centered AI systems.
Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for the Posts and Telecommunications Ministry, was the main guest at the event.
The event was jointly hosted by the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division, Access to Information (A2I), UNESCO, and UNDP in the Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) auditorium at the ICT Tower in Agargaon.
Speaking at the function, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb said the publication of the assessment comes at a crucial moment as Bangladesh moves into an AI-driven era. Decisions taken now, he said, will shape the country’s social landscape for decades.
He noted that the report clearly outlines Bangladesh’s current position in AI preparedness and identifies priority areas to ensure that AI strengthens government institutions without replacing human judgment, safeguards public rights and prevents misuse.
ICT Division Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury highlighted the report’s importance for finalizing the national AI policy, which is now in the process of enactment.
Dr. Susan Vize, the UNESCO representative to Bangladesh, characterized the evaluation as both a mirror and a summary, reflecting information-based systems, infrastructure, digital inclusion, and governance, as well as the advancements and difficulties related to these areas.
According to him, the study offers a precise structure for determining what needs to be done first.
Dr. Vize also underlined the importance of building high-quality datasets in Bangla and for small ethnic communities, strengthening cybersecurity and data protection, and ensuring full involvement of women and girls in AI-related education and employment.
The report presents the first comprehensive overview of the country’s academic, legal, social and technical readiness for AI. It notes that Bangladesh has already built a strong foundation in digital governance, with high public confidence in government digital services.
However, it also points to persistent challenges, including unstable internet connectivity and power supply outside Dhaka, a long-standing digital divide between urban and rural areas, limited high-performance computing capacity and shortages of skilled professionals in data protection, cybersecurity and AI.
Prepared in line with UNESCO’s AI guidelines, the assessment draws on national-level data analysis and extensive consultations with public- and private-sector stakeholders.
The report is considered an important milestone, offering guidance for safeguarding rights, promoting inclusion and strengthening government institutions through responsible adoption of AI.
UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller, A2I Programme Project Director Mohammad Abdur Rafique, European Union Delegation Head of Development Cooperation Dr. Michal Krejza and senior ICT Division officials, among others, attended the event.
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