Bangladesh is formulating a human-centric National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy aimed at ensuring the ethical, safe and inclusive use of AI under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Adviser Faqir Mahbub Anam has said.
Speaking at the High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance on the sidelines of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) 2026 in Shanghai on Saturday, the minister said the government was overhauling the country's digital policy and legal framework to harness AI for economic and social development while safeguarding citizens' rights and addressing emerging risks, according to a press statement sent by the ministry.
He said Bangladesh was preparing an integrated and inclusive AI policy based on human rights, ethics and responsible innovation, alongside a series of complementary initiatives to strengthen AI governance.
These include reinforcing personal data protection and cybersecurity, preparing guidelines for the use of AI in the public sector, introducing responsible data management standards, expanding AI education and curricula, and establishing decentralised AI Centres of Excellence across the country.
Addressing the international gathering, Faqir Mahbub Anam outlined four priorities for global AI governance — safety, equity, adaptability and international cooperation.
He called for stronger international collaboration to facilitate technology transfer, build institutional capacity, protect data sovereignty and ensure equitable access to AI technologies for developing countries.
"The future of artificial intelligence should not be defined solely by technological advancement but by human values, justice and inclusivity," he said.
Held under the theme "AI Partnership for a Brighter Future", the high-level meeting focused on the role of AI in accelerating sustainable development, promoting inclusive economic growth, strengthening global security and improving international governance of emerging technologies.
The event brought together heads of government, ministers, representatives from more than 100 countries, international organisations, technology companies and academic institutions to discuss the future of AI, its ethical governance and opportunities for global cooperation.
The four-day World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) 2026 is being held in Shanghai from July 17 to July 20.
Speaking at the High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance on the sidelines of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) 2026 in Shanghai on Saturday, the minister said the government was overhauling the country's digital policy and legal framework to harness AI for economic and social development while safeguarding citizens' rights and addressing emerging risks, according to a press statement sent by the ministry.
He said Bangladesh was preparing an integrated and inclusive AI policy based on human rights, ethics and responsible innovation, alongside a series of complementary initiatives to strengthen AI governance.
These include reinforcing personal data protection and cybersecurity, preparing guidelines for the use of AI in the public sector, introducing responsible data management standards, expanding AI education and curricula, and establishing decentralised AI Centres of Excellence across the country.
Addressing the international gathering, Faqir Mahbub Anam outlined four priorities for global AI governance — safety, equity, adaptability and international cooperation.
He called for stronger international collaboration to facilitate technology transfer, build institutional capacity, protect data sovereignty and ensure equitable access to AI technologies for developing countries.
"The future of artificial intelligence should not be defined solely by technological advancement but by human values, justice and inclusivity," he said.
Held under the theme "AI Partnership for a Brighter Future", the high-level meeting focused on the role of AI in accelerating sustainable development, promoting inclusive economic growth, strengthening global security and improving international governance of emerging technologies.
The event brought together heads of government, ministers, representatives from more than 100 countries, international organisations, technology companies and academic institutions to discuss the future of AI, its ethical governance and opportunities for global cooperation.
The four-day World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) 2026 is being held in Shanghai from July 17 to July 20.
