Bangladesh Plans Sovereign AI Infrastructure

Bangladesh plans to launch sovereign artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure within the next 12 months as part of efforts to reduce dependence on foreign technology and build domestic capabilities. Prime Minister’s Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Rehan Asif Asad said the infrastructure would be accessible to private companies, startups, universities and students. Arrangements to procure the required computing chips and memory modules have also been secured, he said.

The plan was highlighted in a report published on 2 November. Industry stakeholders say domestic AI infrastructure could create opportunities to develop Bangla large language models (LLMs), build services tailored to local needs and attract new investment in the technology sector.

Sovereign AI infrastructure targeted within 12 months

Rehan Asif Asad said the government intends to launch the infrastructure within the next year. Rather than limiting access to government agencies, the facility will be made available to private businesses, startups, universities and students.

The initiative is expected to enable local technologists and researchers to develop Bangla LLMs and introduce new AI-powered services. Although AI adoption is growing in Bangladesh, access to high-performance GPUs, computing capacity, large datasets and research facilities remains limited. This has increased reliance on models and cloud services developed by foreign technology companies.

The adviser said the initial plan was to build a smaller, modular infrastructure rather than a massive AI centre from the outset. Local companies may add their own technological capacity as private-sector demand grows. Discussions are also under way internationally to procure advanced GPUs.

Investment opportunities in AI and semiconductors

Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, executive chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), highlighted investment opportunities in AI and semiconductors. He said these sectors could support technology skills, higher-value production and industrial capacity. However, semiconductor investment is more likely to generate specialised employment than the large-scale workforce demand associated with the garment industry.

Potential investment areas include data centres, cloud computing, chip design, cybersecurity and software development.

AI tailored to local needs

Sakif Shamim, chairman of the Centre for Strategic and Economic Research (CSER) and managing director of Labaid Hospital Group, said Bangladesh needs to move beyond using foreign technology and strengthen its own research, data resources and innovation capacity.

He emphasised developing AI systems that understand Bangla, regional languages and the country's social and cultural context. He also called for stronger collaboration among universities, research institutions and industry, alongside more practical education in AI, data science, machine learning, robotics and cybersecurity.

Building the foundations for technological independence

Launching domestic AI infrastructure would be an important step, but its effectiveness will depend on research capacity, skilled professionals, quality datasets, reliable electricity, high-speed internet and data security. Long-term investment in Bangla digital resources and AI models designed around local challenges will also be essential.

Potential applications include weather-based agricultural advice, flash-flood forecasting, urban traffic management, healthcare data analysis and improving productivity in the garment industry. Developing reliable solutions in these areas will require local data, sustained research and domestic technological expertise.

Bangladesh's next phase of AI development will therefore depend not only on adopting foreign technology but also on building its own models, research capacity, infrastructure and innovation ecosystem. The impact of the planned sovereign AI facility will depend on its implementation, accessibility and the participation of local researchers and entrepreneurs.

//DBTech/MJR/SME/MIST//