Bangladesh Needs Stronger Infrastructure for AI Growth

Bangladesh's effective adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) will depend not only on software and algorithms but also on stronger mobile networks, affordable 4G smartphones, greater data-centre capacity and voice-enabled content in Bangla, technology experts said. They also argued that AI is likely to reshape work and create new types of employment rather than simply eliminate jobs.

The remarks came during the third and final session of Bangladesh Tech Connect 2026, held on Tuesday at the Celebrity Hall of the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka. Organised jointly by the Posts and Telecommunications Division and Huawei, the session was titled “AI: Global Realities, Infrastructure and Readiness.” Dr. Md. Taibur Rahman, director general of the National Cyber Security Agency, moderated the discussion.

Bridging the Global AI Adoption Gap

Ashish Garg, director of policy and spectrum strategy for GSMA Asia Pacific, cited a 2025 report by the World Bank and GSMA indicating a substantial gap in generative AI adoption between high-income and low- and middle-income countries.

According to the figures he presented, 25% of internet users in high-income countries use generative AI, compared with just 5% in low- and middle-income countries.

Garg identified network capacity and digital infrastructure as important factors behind this disparity. Although around 99% of Bangladesh's population is covered by 4G networks, he said network capabilities need further development to accommodate the additional data traffic associated with AI services.

He also noted that 5G expansion is underway in Bangladesh, with approximately 2.5% of the population reportedly covered by the technology.

Garg said a substantial share of internet use in Bangladesh is concentrated on video calls, online videos and entertainment. Figures presented during the session indicated that 85% of users engage in these activities, while 25% use the internet for education and income-generating purposes.

He called for greater emphasis on using digital technology to support learning, skills development and economic opportunities alongside entertainment.

Why Bangla-Language AI Matters

Garg identified literacy and language barriers as significant obstacles to wider AI adoption. He argued that AI solutions should support Bangla and offer voice- and audio-based interfaces so that people with limited technical skills can use them more easily.

Improved conversational interfaces, voice commands and locally relevant content could help extend AI access beyond urban and digitally proficient populations.

Affordable 4G Smartphones and AI-Generated Content

Li Jiang, also known as Tony, chief technology officer of Huawei South Asia, said reliable connectivity and suitable devices were essential prerequisites for AI adoption.

He said Huawei planned to work with Chinese technology partners to support the production of affordable, high-quality 4G smartphones in Bangladesh within the next 12 months. The company also intends to work with local mobile operators to improve network quality and expand 5G connectivity.

Highlighting the scale of AI use in China, Li said the country processes approximately 500 trillion AI tokens daily. According to his remarks, nearly half of that usage is associated with the creation of AI-generated short dramas.

Bangladesh could also see initiatives to produce AI-based short dramas and develop a Bangla-language content ecosystem over the next year, with support from industry partners, he said.

Such initiatives could open up new opportunities for local content creators, scriptwriters, technology professionals and digital producers.

Responding to concerns that AI would eliminate jobs, Li argued that the technology would change the nature of work and create opportunities in emerging professions. He suggested that AI adoption could expand demand for new skills and creative capabilities.

Data Centres and Computing Capacity Remain Key Challenges

Other speakers highlighted limitations in Bangladesh's AI infrastructure, particularly the capacity required to support AI-based healthcare, automated quality inspection in manufacturing and intelligent applications.

Large-scale AI systems require reliable electricity and backup power, robust cloud computing infrastructure and sufficient processing capacity. Developing a skilled workforce of engineers, researchers and AI specialists is equally important.

Speakers called for closer coordination among educational institutions, research organisations, industry and government agencies. They said strategic investment and coordinated policies would be essential to building a sustainable national AI ecosystem.

Call for Coordinated Policy and Investment

The panel also included Professor Dr. Md. Abdur Razzaq, chairman of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Dhaka, and Md. Toufiqul Islam, joint secretary of the Cabinet Division.

The discussion highlighted the need to coordinate investments in network infrastructure, affordable devices, data centres, Bangla-language technologies, cybersecurity and workforce development.

Speakers said these measures could unlock new opportunities for AI adoption in education, healthcare, manufacturing and digital content. Developing technologies tailored to local languages and needs could also expand digital inclusion and create new employment opportunities.

//DBTech/IH/SME/MIST//