Bangladesh and Google have explored potential cooperation in education modernisation, artificial intelligence, digital skills, cloud computing, cybersecurity and responsible technology use.
A high-level Bangladesh ministerial delegation, led by Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir held discussions with senior Google executives at the company's headquarters in Mountain View, California, on Monday.
The delegation included State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Boby Hajjaj, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and Science and Technology Rehan Asif Asad, Prime Minister’s Protocol Officer-2 Kamrul Islam and Deputy Press Secretary Md Jahidul Islam, Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Tareq Md Ariful Islam and Consul General of Bangladesh in Los Angeles Kazi Muhammad Jabed Iqbal.
The Google side was led by Divya Jani, vice president, Strategy and Operations, Google for Education, with participation from Google executives and specialists, including Mara Ritucci, Abu Saleh, Grace Kelly and Maria Tubio.
The meeting focused on using technology and AI to modernise Bangladesh's education system, strengthen teachers and improve learning outcomes.
Titumir stressed the importance of connecting education, technology and skills with employment, productivity and sustainable economic development.
Shama Obaed emphasised the importance of a long-term partnership with Google in skills development, institutional capacity-building and responsible technology use.
Boby Hajjaj outlined priorities for modernising primary education, including curriculum development, teacher training, digital connectivity, improved monitoring and technology-enabled learning.
The discussions covered a possible integrated digital education ecosystem, including learning and school management systems, student assessment, digital content and technology-based school inspection and monitoring.
Potential cooperation in AI-supported teacher training, digital safety, teacher certification and responsible classroom use of AI was also discussed.
The Bangladesh side highlighted opportunities for cooperation in AI, virtual learning, cloud computing, cybersecurity and data science, as well as developing Bangla-language AI capabilities and promoting Bangladeshi education, culture and creative content globally.
The meeting concluded with interest in forming working groups between Google and relevant Bangladesh government agencies to identify priority initiatives and develop measurable areas of cooperation.