AI urged for public administration efficiency

Artificial intelligence (AI) adoption is vital to enhance operational efficiency, transparency, and citizen-centric governance in public administration. AI-driven data automation can streamline decision-making and eliminate bureaucratic delays. Experts highlighted these points during a seminar titled “AI and Governance: Global Technology Architecture, National Digital Public Infrastructure and Policy Directives” at the BIISS auditorium in Dhaka on Thursday, 20 August 2026, according to a press release.

Speaking as the chief guest, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Public Administration Md Ismail Zabiullah stated that AI has evolved into a strategic pillar of national capability, economy, and geopolitics. He stressed that AI adoption must prioritize citizen consent, data privacy, and robust security safeguards. He noted that public administration should lead Bangladesh’s AI transformation. An authorized government AI assistant could instantly retrieve rules and previous decisions for officials.

Citing Israel’s ecosystem of over 2,150 AI startups, he said integrated research, talent, and capital can drive massive technological impact regardless of country size. He pointed out that AI can optimize public spending, procurement, tax systems, healthcare, and citizen services like passport and driving license processing. However, he warned that clear legal frameworks, data classification, and cybersecurity systems are essential to mitigate risks.

Regarding national defense, he explained that AI and robotics are reshaping modern warfare and surveillance, as seen along the India-China border. Comparing AI to a matchstick that can either cook meals or burn down a house, he urged responsible technological application. On employment concerns, he stated that the goal must be an AI-assisted administration rather than an unmanned government.

BIISS Director General Major General ASM Ridwanur Rahman delivered the welcome address. Keynote presentations were delivered by Dr. Syed Muntasir Mamun, Director General of the International Trade, Investment & Technology and ICT Wing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ashfaq Zaman, Chief Strategist of Dhaka Forum Initiative.

Presided over by Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Chairman Major General (Retd) Md Emdad Ul Bari, the seminar hosted an open discussion featuring senior government officials, industry leaders, academics, and tech experts on national AI policy, modern cyber warfare, and infrastructure standards.
//DBTech/AMP/MIS//