In 2020, Bangladesh stepped into the global conversation on artificial intelligence (AI) with the launch of its first-ever National AI Strategy—“AI for Innovative Bangladesh.” The strategy promised to modernize public service delivery, enhance productivity across agriculture, healthcare, education, and manufacturing, and position the country as a knowledge-driven economy aligned with Vision 2041.
The document was forward-thinking, with clearly defined priority sectors and ambitious objectives—training 50,000 AI professionals, establishing 1,000 AI startups, and integrating AI into governance and service delivery. But nearly five years on, the country has little to show in terms of concrete progress.
A Vision without a Roadmap
While the strategy laid a solid conceptual foundation, it remains largely aspirational. No concrete implementation plans, budget allocations, or institutional mechanisms have followed. The goals, however noble, are unsupported by defined timelines or accountability frameworks. Responsibility for execution is dispersed across several ministries—ICT, Education, Planning, and Finance—without a dedicated body to oversee and harmonize efforts.
Even more concerning, core elements of a functional digital ecosystem remain underdeveloped. Bangladesh still lacks a robust data protection law, a cornerstone for any responsible AI development. Public datasets—essential for machine learning and AI innovation—are scarce, fragmented, or inaccessible. Meanwhile, our AI research output remains among the lowest in South Asia, and talented professionals often migrate abroad in search of better opportunities and infrastructure.
Global Peers, Diverging Paths
Bangladesh is not alone in navigating the complexities of AI governance. Yet, peer nations with similar economic and institutional constraints have moved ahead through pragmatic, adaptive strategies.
India, for example, has empowered NITI Aayog to act as the national think tank guiding AI deployment across sectors. Rwanda has entrusted its utilities regulatory authority with centralized oversight of AI policies and innovation. Indonesia is using regulatory sandboxes to pilot AI applications in health and finance before scaling them nationwide. These countries are not merely investing in technology—they are investing in governance, coordination, and experimentation.
The key difference is execution. Vision without institutional ownership cannot yield transformation.
From Strategy to Action: Five Immediate Priorities
To bridge the gap between intent and impact, Bangladesh must now adopt a hands-on, mission-oriented approach to its AI journey. We propose the following five strategic actions:
1. Establish a National AI Authority
A centralized agency—ideally under the Prime Minister’s Office—should be tasked with driving AI implementation, coordinating between ministries, setting standards, and ensuring accountability.
2. Legislate AI and Data Governance Frameworks
Bangladesh must enact legislation that ensures algorithmic transparency, privacy protection, and ethical use of data. A risk-based regulatory framework, aligned with global norms, is critical.
3. Invest in Infrastructure and Data Ecosystems
Public-private partnerships should support the development of AI innovation zones, cloud infrastructure, and open-access government datasets—securely anonymized and centrally managed.
4. Develop Human Capital and Mobilize the Diaspora
Universities and vocational institutions need updated curricula focused on AI, data science, and ethics. Meanwhile, innovation fellowships and research grants can help attract contributions from non-resident Bangladeshi experts.
5. Track and Communicate Progress
Measurable performance indicators, publicly accessible dashboards, and real-time evaluation systems are essential to monitor progress and foster public trust.
A Decade of Critical Decisions
The coming years will determine whether Bangladesh becomes an AI innovator or remains a passive consumer of foreign technologies. The potential is undeniable: AI can enable early flood warning systems, improve crop planning, enhance disease surveillance, reduce traffic congestion, and automate inefficient bureaucracies.
But potential alone is not progress. Without infrastructure, regulation, skilled human capital, and strong leadership, Bangladesh risks falling behind in a race that is already well underway.
The 2020 strategy was a crucial first step—but it cannot be the last. The time has come for Bangladesh to move beyond declarations and start building the institutional backbone needed to realize the promise of AI. Urgency, coordination, and political will must now replace inertia.
About the Authors:
Sumaiya Binte Shahadat is a Tech Business Analyst at NRB Global Bank, with experience in digital systems and youth-focused financial services. Her interests include fintech, digital inclusion, and innovation ecosystems.
Abu Shahadat Md Ibrahim is a PhD candidate in Mineral and Energy Economics at the Colorado School of Mines, USA, and an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Energy, University of Dhaka. His research focuses on energy policy and sustainable development.
