In March 2020, the Information and Communication Technology Division Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh published the National AI Strategy. This comprehensive strategy document outlines Bangladesh’s vision to leverage AI as an accelerator for the nation’s digitalization process, which began a decade earlier.
Under the banner of “AI for Innovative Bangladesh,” the strategy presents a structured approach across seven priority sectors and six strategic pillars, aiming to position Bangladesh as a competitive player in the global AI landscape.
Contents-
- Executive Summary
- Chapter 1- Digital Bangladesh and AI
- Chapter 2- Leveraging AI for social and economic growth
- Chapter 3- AI for different sectors of Bangladesh
- Chapter 4- AI Strategy & Development roadmap
- Chapter 5- The challenges
- Chapter 6- Conclusion
Executive Summary
The Executive Summary outlines Bangladesh’s commitment to embracing Artificial Intelligence as an accelerator for the nation’s digitalization process. Key points include:
– AI is defined as the capability of machines to perform cognitive tasks like reasoning, perceiving, learning, problem-solving, and decision-making
– Bangladesh’s Prime Minister has declared plans for implementing 5G by 2023, along with widespread adoption of AI, robotics, big data, blockchain, and IoT
– The country has made significant infrastructure investments, including:
– 16 Hi-Tech Parks
– 7 Technology Parks
– 12 IT Training & Incubation Centers
– Tier-IV Data Center
– Launch of Bangabandhu-1 satellite in 2018
– Economic impact projections show:
– AI could double annual economic growth rates by 2035
– Labor productivity could increase by up to 40%
– 45% of total economic gains by 2030 will come from product innovation and customer demand
– The strategy addresses employment concerns by highlighting that while AI may displace some jobs, it is expected to create more opportunities through economic growth and new roles
– The government has identified 7 national priority sectors for AI implementation and developed 6 strategic pillars to establish a sustainable AI ecosystem in the country.
Chapter 1- Digital Bangladesh and AI
This chapter is divided into 4 sections. Each of which considers key points to understand AI
1.1- Introduction- This section outlines Bangladesh’s position in the current AI climate, highlighting its strengths and opportunities for success.
1.2- Digital Bangladesh overview- This section outlines the pre-existing opportunities in Bangladesh’s digital platform as well as the possibilities to create new frameworks.
1.3 – What is AI? This section considers the overall definition and purpose of AI. AI is defined as the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems.
1.4- what good can AI bring? This section considers the areas in which AI possesses potential. Such as:
A. Crossing the Human Limit– AI can reach areas Humans cannot. E.g. Exploring space.
B. Predictive Analysis- The world produces a large amount of data, AI can be used to organise and manage data. Ensures better and faster decision making.
C. AI in Healthcare- Improving patient outcomes and reducing costs.
D. AI in Business- AI can be used to reduce repetitive tasks. Can be used to draw insights and deal with customers better.
Chapter 2 – Leveraging AI for social and economic growth
Chapter 2 of Bangladesh’s AI Strategy presents a compelling economic analysis of artificial intelligence’s transformative potential for the nation’s growth trajectory. The strategy projects a substantial economic boost of up to 45% through AI implementation.
A critical aspect addressed in this chapter is the workforce transformation paradigm. While acknowledging global concerns about job displacement, with an estimated 75 million positions potentially affected by 2022, the strategy highlights a net positive outcome with the anticipated creation of 133 million new roles.
The chapter strategically aligns AI initiatives with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), demonstrating Bangladesh’s commitment to balanced technological advancement. Furthermore, it positions the nation to actively participate in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, establishing a framework for sustainable technological integration.
Chapter 3- AI for different sectors of Bangladesh
Chapter 3 presents a comprehensive sector-wise implementation strategy for artificial intelligence in Bangladesh, identifying seven critical domains for AI integration. The strategic framework encompasses:
**Public Service Delivery: The strategy prioritizes the enhancement of citizen services and administrative efficiency through AI implementation.
**Manufacturing Sector: Focus is placed on advancing industrial capabilities through predictive maintenance systems and intelligent quality control mechanisms.
**Agricultural Innovation: AI applications are targeted at modernizing farming practices through advanced crop monitoring systems and disease prediction capabilities.
**Transportation Infrastructure: The strategy outlines the development of smart mobility solutions, particularly emphasizing intelligent traffic management systems.
**Education and Skills Development: Implementation of AI-driven personalized learning platforms and adaptive educational tools to enhance learning outcomes.
**Financial Services: Integration of AI technologies for enhanced risk management and fraud detection systems in the banking and trade sectors.
**Healthcare Systems: Development of sophisticated AI-powered diagnostic tools and healthcare delivery mechanisms to improve medical services.
This sectoral approach demonstrates Bangladesh’s commitment to a comprehensive AI implementation strategy, targeting key areas that are crucial for national development and economic growth.
Chapter 4- AI Strategy and Development Roadmap
Chapter 4 delineates a comprehensive AI development roadmap structured around six fundamental pillars that form the backbone of Bangladesh’s AI implementation strategy:
1. Research & Development Infrastructure: The strategy emphasizes establishing national AI research centers supported by robust funding mechanisms to drive innovation.
2. Workforce Development: A crucial focus is placed on developing AI expertise through comprehensive skilling and re-skilling programs, ensuring smooth workforce transition in the AI era.
3. Digital Infrastructure: The framework prioritizes the development of robust data systems and connectivity infrastructure to support AI implementations.
4. Regulatory Framework: The strategy outlines the development of comprehensive legal frameworks addressing ethics, data privacy, and security concerns.
5. Start-up Ecosystem: An ambitious initiative to support 1000 AI-based start-ups, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the AI sector.
6. Industrial Integration: The final pillar focuses on the systematic implementation of AI technologies across various industrial sectors.
This strategic framework demonstrates Bangladesh’s methodical approach to AI adoption, balancing technological advancement with regulatory oversight and human capital development.
Chapter 5- The challenges
Chapter 5 presents a critical analysis of the challenges facing Bangladesh’s AI implementation strategy, identifying several key obstacles that require strategic intervention:
**Data Infrastructure Challenges:**
The strategy acknowledges fundamental issues in data ecosystem development and accessibility, which are crucial for AI implementation.
**Technical Limitations:**
Significant technology and infrastructure constraints pose immediate challenges to AI adoption.
**Human Capital Gap:**
A notable shortage of AI-skilled professionals represents a critical bottleneck in the strategy’s execution.
**Connectivity Issues:**
The implementation of 5G technology remains a significant challenge, potentially impacting AI deployment capabilities.
**Socioeconomic Considerations:**
The strategy addresses concerns regarding potential economic disruption and workforce displacement.
**Ethical and Privacy Framework:**
Critical challenges exist in establishing robust privacy protocols and ethical guidelines for AI implementation.
**Regulatory Environment:**
The development of comprehensive legal frameworks remains a key challenge, requiring careful consideration and implementation.
This systematic identification of challenges demonstrates Bangladesh’s pragmatic approach to AI implementation, acknowledging potential obstacles while working towards viable solutions.
Chapter 6- Conclusion
Chapter 6 serves as the conclusive framework of Bangladesh’s National AI Strategy, emphasizing two critical aspects of the nation’s AI journey:
1. Strategic Implementation:
The chapter acknowledges current limitations while reinforcing Bangladesh’s unwavering commitment to implementing AI technologies across various sectors of society. This balanced approach demonstrates both pragmatism and ambition in the nation’s technological advancement.
2. Governance and Innovation:
A significant emphasis is placed on the importance of good governance in executing the AI strategy. The chapter positions AI as a fundamental catalyst in Bangladesh’s transformation into an innovative nation, with a specific target of achieving this status by 2021.
This concluding chapter effectively synthesizes the strategy’s vision, acknowledging both the challenges and opportunities while maintaining a clear focus on achievable outcomes through proper governance and systematic implementation.