Foreign Secretary Calls for More Investment in AI and Language Development
The Fourth Industrial Revolution is already in full swing worldwide, and now is the opportune time to invest further in high-end artificial intelligence software, OCR software, search engines, and other related fields in the Bengali language.
This statement was made by Foreign Secretary Md. Shahidul Haque at an event organized on Friday (February 21) at the Foreign Service Academy to commemorate "Shaheed Day and International Mother Language Day."
He stated, “If we look at our education system, especially at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, it is evident that academic textbooks, columns and articles, journals, and multimedia content in our mother tongue, Bengali, are extremely rare across almost all subjects. I believe that it is essential to create a young generation skilled in applying knowledge while also imparting advanced academic knowledge in all areas of academia.”
He further remarked, “I understand that similar needs exist in many post-colonial developing nations. I hope that policymakers, scholars, professionals, and entrepreneurs in Bangladesh, along with everyone involved, will initiate further academic and technological efforts to address this challenge and leave a more prosperous linguistic legacy for future generations. Broadly speaking, this is applicable to the entire Global South.”
Commenting on the youth's sacrifice during the Liberation War, the Foreign Secretary said, “The youth’s supreme sacrifice in the revolution of 1971 paved the way for eliminating all forms of discrimination.” He added that the revolution of July-August 2024 and the youth's utmost sacrifice present an excellent opportunity to establish equality and justice, while also removing all forms of cultural exploitation and discrimination. "On this historic day, I pay tribute to them for creating the opportunity for the establishment of an advanced Bangladesh," he stated.
Md. Shahidul Haque concluded by saying, “This day brings a moment of significance for all of us around the world. It is a time to remember known and unknown individuals from all cultures, from every part of the world, who have contributed and sacrificed in innumerable ways, struggling to preserve and uphold their culture. At the same time, irrespective of our national identity, we must always be indebted to these unsung heroes, as we currently live in a culturally diverse world.”
