Describing Bangladesh’s approach to technology, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Thursday said Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be the main economic engine to achieve the trillion dollar economy.

She made the remarks at “AI and Innovation Dialogue” held at the Ministry. 

Shama also reflected on her recent ministerial visit to Silicon Valley and urged to reduce the distance between Dhaka and Silicon Valley in terms of technological competence.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs jointly with the Governance Innovation Unit (GIU) of the Prime Minister’s Office organised the dialogue as Bangladesh puts Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the heart of the country’s tech diplomacy.

Md Ismail Zabihullah, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Public Administration Affairs, was present as chief guest, and Rehan Asif Asad, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Posts, Telecommunications, Information Technology and Science and Technology, as special guest. 

It was the third thematic roundtable since the Ministry’s Roadmap for Trade, Growth and Economic Diplomacy Conference in June.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said garments and remittances, whose foundations were laid by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, have long formed the double helix of Bangladesh’s economic DNA.

But, he added, the trillion-dollar economy that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has set as the goal for 2034 needs “a third strand: the knowledge worker”. 

“Bangladesh First does not mean Bangladesh alone. It means Bangladesh ready,” he added.

Opening the dialogue, Secretary Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury said AI has moved from a domestic technology question to a core pillar of Bangladesh’s foreign policy and digital sovereignty. 

As the rules for AI are settled “in many rooms at once”, Bangladesh’s approach is “independent, and open to the world”, he said.

Speaking as the chief guest, Adviser Md Ismail Zabihullah highlighted that whole-of-Government approach is essential to leverage the benefits of AI. 

Rehan Asif Asad briefed participants on the Government’s latest progress and upcoming plans on AI and innovation.

Dr Syed Muntasir Mamun, Director General of the Ministry’s International Trade, Investment and Technology (ITIT) Wing, moderated the session and highlighted that the Dialogue examined Bangladesh’s AI trajectory across five strategic priorities: policies and governance; connectivity; digital public infrastructure; AI, cyber security, workforce and startups; and manufacturing, jobs and economic growth. 

It sought concrete actions under each priority and a clear division of responsibility across ministries. Its conclusions will be shared with Bangladesh’s partners and missions abroad.

Senior officials of ministries and agencies, members of the diplomatic corps, development partners, and representatives of the technology industry, startups, academia and think tanks attended the Dialogue.