Faqir Mahbub Anam Meets UN, Azerbaijan Officials

Bangladesh has expressed interest in exchanging technology and expertise to make public services more inclusive, accessible and citizen-friendly through the effective use of artificial intelligence (AI), automation and digital technologies. To discuss the country's initiatives and plans for improving administrative efficiency, transparency and accountability, Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, and Science and Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam met Li Junhua, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, and Ulvi Mehdiyev, Chairman of Azerbaijan’s State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations.

The meetings took place on Saturday, November 7, in Baku, Azerbaijan, on the sidelines of the international conference titled ‘UN Governance Innovation Summit: Advancing Future-Ready Institutions’.

During the discussions, the minister briefed the officials on Bangladesh's efforts to digitise inclusive, citizen-oriented public services. They also discussed how the government could make the use of AI, automation and digital technologies more participatory while building a more efficient, transparent and accountable administration.

Faqir Mahbub Anam expressed interest in exchanging technology and experience in building future-ready institutions, promoting administrative innovation and ensuring the effective use of technology in public service delivery.

Earlier, on Friday, November 6, the minister participated in the eighth session of the summit, titled ‘Challenging Conventional Approaches to Governance Innovation and Anticipatory Governance’, as part of a Cross-Examination Dialogue.

During the session, he said technology alone could not transform public administration. While connectivity provides the foundation, institutional readiness is what turns connectivity into public benefit.

He said governments must first understand the problem before introducing new technologies. They should review existing administrative processes, eliminate unnecessary steps, clarify institutional responsibilities and ensure coordination among agencies.

Representing Bangladesh at the eighth session, the minister also emphasised the importance of clear accountability, interoperable data systems and effective coordination. He highlighted the need to develop the skills, confidence and mindset required to work with emerging technologies.

He further underscored the importance of strong data governance, cybersecurity, privacy protection and accessible grievance-redress mechanisms.

//DBTech/MZU/SMP/MIST//