The Information and Communication Technology Division (ICTD) has drafted the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy to establish Bangladesh as a pioneer in the adoption of AI innovation and technology and to help transition from Digital Bangladesh to Smart Bangladesh.
The draft policy was published on the department’s website on the first day of this month. The draft includes the establishment of AI centers in all universities, apprenticeship programs in related sectors and mandatory accreditation of authorities to provide AI-based services and formation of advisory councils and independent bodies with high-level stakeholders. The draft also calls for a ‘single-window clearance’ system for taking up AI-related projects aligned with national goals, tax exemptions in research, innovation, education, training, technological infrastructure.
Law and rulemaking wing of the information and communication technology division has organized a multi-stakeholder discussion on Thursday in the morning on the draft policy before passing the law.
According to sources, Law Minister Anisul Haque will be present in this stakeholder consultation meeting to be held in the conference room of BTRC building located in Agargaon administrative area; the meeting will be presided over by the State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak. In the meeting, officials of various government agencies/departments, entrepreneurs of the information technology sector, representatives of trade organizations, representatives of various United Nations organizations and university teachers, representatives of journalists’ organizations will present their views on the draft law.
It is worth noting that, the government formulated the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy in 2020. But now realizing the importance of adopting comprehensive policies initiatives are taken to introduce AI policies. The policy has been drafted to address the legal, ethical and social implications of AI.