Bangladesh Becomes Pioneer in Portable AI-Powered Ultrasound
U.S.-based company Exo Imaging has announced plans to introduce a “revolutionary” portable AI-powered ultrasound device in Bangladesh, marking the country’s first deployment of such advanced diagnostic technology. The device is designed to aid in the early detection of a wide range of conditions, including heart disease, tuberculosis, breast cancer, lung disorders, thyroid issues, and pregnancy-related complications.
The announcement was made on Thursday, September 4, at the state guesthouse Jamuna, during a meeting between Exo Imaging’s co-founder, Bangladeshi-origin U.S. medical technology expert and Chief Technology Officer Yusuf Haque, and Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Exo’s Chief Executive Officer Sandeep Akkaraju was also present.
Haque stated that the device will initially be introduced in leading hospitals across Bangladesh. “This device has been designed to be portable and highly efficient. High-quality diagnostics will become accessible even in remote areas. It will bring a revolutionary change to healthcare worldwide, particularly in rural Bangladesh. Very soon, doctors and nurses will use it much like a stethoscope,” he said.
CEO Akkaraju noted, “Bangladesh is the first country in Asia to adopt this technology, which is currently available only in the United States with approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We plan to launch it soon in Mexico and several Latin American countries.”
Welcoming the initiative, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus described it as “a major step toward universal healthcare access.” He emphasized, “Medical treatment begins with diagnosis. Patients often become sicker while waiting for tests. This technology can help reduce that burden by bringing diagnostics closer to the patient.”
Highlighting the device’s portability, Haque added, “Doctors and healthcare workers will be able to take the device directly to patients, eliminating the need for long waits or travel.”
Exo board member and former Intel Corporation chairman Omar Ishrak praised the initiative, saying, “For countries like Bangladesh, this is a game changer. Nearly 80 percent of the world’s population lacks access to quality healthcare. Technology like this can help bridge that gap.” He further noted, “Patients with chronic illnesses such as breast cancer need frequent screenings. This device makes the process far more convenient. It is essentially the next-generation stethoscope—a powerful tool delivering instant, AI-driven diagnostic insights.”
Akkaraju also revealed that Exo is developing complementary software to help healthcare providers triage patients urgently, send follow-up reminders, and streamline communication between patients and providers. “This is the next stage of telemedicine,” he said.
Others present at the meeting included Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Sayedur Rahman, BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud bin Harun, and Senior Secretary for SDG Affairs Lamia Morshed.
