PM Unveils Plans for AI Hackathon in Dhaka; Youth, Startups, and Innovation Take Centre Stage
Bangladesh Plans International AI Hackathon to Boost Innovation Ecosystem
- PM announces AI hackathon plan
- Focus on startups and AI innovation
- Global EdTech platform showcased
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has announced plans to organise an international AI Hackathon in Dhaka, aiming to strengthen Bangladesh's artificial intelligence ecosystem, promote startup innovation, and position the country as a regional technology hub.
The announcement came on Tuesday during the "Youth, Startups and the Bangladesh of Opportunities" programme held at the Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building of the University of Dhaka. It marked the Prime Minister's second visit to the university since assuming office.
Seated alongside the Prime Minister were Minister for Posts, Telecommunications, Information Technology and Science & Technology Fakir Mahbub Anam, Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications and ICT Rehan Asif Asad, and Acting ICT Secretary Md. Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan.
In his remarks, the Prime Minister said artificial intelligence, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship would be key drivers of Bangladesh's future economy. He emphasised stronger collaboration among universities, startups and industry to accelerate technology-led economic growth.
During the discussion, Rayhanul Islam, founder of the AI-powered EdTech startup Charcha App, announced that the company would launch a global learning platform later this week for 200 million students across 157 countries.
Responding to the presentation, the Prime Minister asked whether the platform could make learning more engaging. Rayhanul replied that the application had already demonstrated positive results. Inspired by the Prime Minister's "One Teacher, One Tab" initiative, the platform was developed a year ago and successfully piloted in two schools in Rajshahi, helping more than 100 teachers and 5,000 students improve problem-solving and classroom learning.
Technology leaders attending the event said initiatives such as an international AI hackathon, university-led research, and stronger startup support could significantly accelerate Bangladesh's AI, EdTech and digital innovation ecosystem.
//DBTech/IH/MIS//
