Advancing National Preparedness for Ethical Artificial Intelligence
We are observing a pivotal phase in Bangladesh’s digital transformation as national institutions strengthen foundations for ethical and inclusive artificial intelligence adoption. The launch of the Artificial Intelligence Readiness Assessment Methodology Report marks a coordinated effort to understand how emerging technologies can align with public interest, institutional integrity, and long-term development priorities. This initiative reflects a growing global consensus that artificial intelligence must evolve within clear ethical, governance, and accountability frameworks.
Unveiled in Dhaka, the assessment offers a structured national overview of how artificial intelligence can be deployed responsibly across public systems. It captures the current state of policy, infrastructure, skills, and institutional readiness, while identifying priority areas that require coordinated action. The process reinforces that Responsible AI Bangladesh is not a standalone ambition, but a continuous governance journey shaped by evidence, collaboration, and public accountability.
Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration Anchors Responsible AI Bangladesh
The assessment was led by the ICT Division of the Government of Bangladesh, with technical and institutional support from UNESCO, UNDP, and a2i, and financial backing from the European Union. This multi-partner approach ensured that the findings reflected diverse perspectives across government agencies, academic institutions, private-sector organizations, and civil society groups.
Months of structured consultations contributed to a comprehensive evaluation of Bangladesh’s readiness landscape. These engagements highlighted the importance of aligning artificial intelligence deployment with national capacity, legal safeguards, and social inclusion goals. Through this collaborative structure,the Responsible AI Bangladesh is positioned as a shared national responsibility rather than a technology-led initiative.
Framing AI Governance Around Public Trust and Inclusion
At the launch, senior national leadership underscored the timing and relevance of the assessment. Mr. Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Hon’ble Chief Adviser, noted that the report arrives at a defining moment for the country. He emphasized that artificial intelligence must reinforce public institutions, preserve human judgment, and protect citizens from misuse.
This framing reflects a broader governance narrative. Artificial intelligence is increasingly shaping public services, decision-making systems, and administrative processes. The assessment clarifies where safeguards are needed to ensure technology strengthens institutional trust rather than undermines it. In this context, this becomes central to maintaining transparency and accountability in digital governance.
Global Frameworks Supporting Responsible AI Bangladesh
International partners highlighted how the assessment aligns Bangladesh with globally recognized governance standards. Dr. Susan Vize, Representative of UNESCO to Bangladesh, described the methodology as a practical foundation for evidence-based policymaking. She reaffirmed UNESCO’s commitment to supporting artificial intelligence that advances human rights, dignity, and sustainability.
The assessment process aligns closely with the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, adopted by 193 Member States worldwide. By embedding these principles into national planning, responsible AI Bangladesh reflects both global responsibility and local relevance, ensuring that international norms translate into actionable national frameworks.
Development Implications and Long-Term Policy Direction
From a development perspective, artificial intelligence presents both opportunity and risk. Mr. Stefan Liller, Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh, highlighted that outcomes will depend on decisions taken today. Investments in connectivity, digital skills, data governance, and compute infrastructure will shape whether artificial intelligence narrows or widens existing gaps.
The assessment emphasizes tailoring AI strategies to national capacity while strengthening regulatory and governance frameworks. These insights are expected to inform Bangladesh’s ongoing work on its National AI Policy and broader digital governance reforms. As these frameworks evolve, this announcement will remain linked to inclusive growth and institutional resilience.
International Support Reinforces Responsible AI Bangladesh
The European Union, whose support enabled the assessment exercise, welcomed Bangladesh’s commitment to building trusted artificial intelligence ecosystems Michal Kreja, Head of Development Cooperation at the EU Delegation, expressed hope that the findings will help ensure innovation benefits all citizens, particularly youth, women, and marginalized communities.
Looking ahead, UNESCO, UNDP, a2i, and the European Union have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Government of Bangladesh. Continued collaboration will focus on policy development, skills enhancement, and institutional safeguards. Together, these efforts reinforce responsible AI Bangladesh as a long-term national priority anchored in ethics, inclusion, and public value.
