AI adoption needs caution: Zabiullah
Bangladesh needs to proceed cautiously with artificial intelligence adoption, particularly by protecting data privacy and ensuring consent, Adviser to the Prime Minister’s Office Md Ismail Zabiullah has said.
He also stressed the need to finalise the country’s AI policy, while highlighting AI’s potential to improve government functions, including project formulation, planning and financial management.
He made the remarks as the chief guest at a seminar titled “AI and Governance: Global Technology Architecture, National Digital Public Infrastructure and Policy Directives”, organised by the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) at its auditorium in Dhaka on Thursday.
Zabiullah stressed the importance of finalising Bangladesh’s AI policy and said the technology could significantly improve government operations, particularly in project formulation, planning and financial management.
At the same time, he called for caution over issues surrounding data privacy and consent.
BIISS Director General Major General ASM Ridwanur Rahman said technological innovation must remain people-centred and accountable.
He stressed that technological advancement should serve the public interest and highlighted Bangladesh’s active participation in global discussions on AI.
He also called for continued engagement in international processes concerning AI and digital public infrastructure.
BTRC Chairman Major General (retd) Md Emdad Ul Bari stressed the need for a national interoperability framework, clear data-consent mechanisms and transparent standards for AI procurement.
The seminar also examined the wider implications of AI adoption, including the role of local demand in shaping AI norms and the evolving security environment.
An interactive discussion following the presentations focused on opportunities and challenges associated with AI adoption, including the growing use of AI in cyber operations and modern warfare.
Major General ASM Ridwanur Rahman delivered the welcome address, while Major General (retd) Md Emdad Ul Bari chaired the seminar.
Dr Syed Muntasir Mamun, director general of the International Trade, Investment & Technology and ICT Wing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered the keynote presentation.
