Bangladesh Bank seminar on Artificial Intelligence (AI) highlighted the growing role of AI in the financial sector and the necessity of a robust regulatory framework.
The central bank announced in the seminar the formation of a seven-member team with AI specialists to monitor AI based financial transactions and banking operations.
The seminar, held at the AKN Ahmed Auditorium of the Bangladesh Bank Training Academy (BBTA), brought together top regulators, IT experts, and banking leaders to outline a roadmap for AI adoption in Bangladesh. The seminar titled ‘Artificial Intelligence: Reshaping Financial Services and Its Regulation’ was held on Monday.
A major highlight of the event was the announcement by Mohammad Jakir Hasan, Executive Director (ICT) of Bangladesh Bank, that the central bank has already initiated the formulation of an integrated AI policy.
To lead these efforts, a specialized seven-member professional AI team has been formed within Bangladesh Bank. The upcoming policy will prioritize data security, the protection of consumer rights, and comprehensive risk management.
The keynote paper was presented by Mohammad Ali, Managing Director of Pubali Bank PLC, who provided a clear roadmap and strategy for effective AI implementation in the financial sector.
Md. Hanif Mia, Executive Director of BBTA and Chaired of the seminar, emphasized that while AI is a powerful tool, its success depends on responsible use.
"Through proper policy, responsible use, and effective supervision, AI can make the financial sector of Bangladesh more inclusive, efficient, and stable," he stated.
Among the panel discussants prof. Dr. BM Mainul Hossain, Director, IIT, University of Dhaka, stressed that a meaningful framework requires collaboration between regulators, technology users, and researchers.
Md. Mahbub Karim, Director, Bangladesh Computer Council, noted that while national AI policies exist, Bangladesh Bank’s specific focus on the banking sector is a timely and essential addition.
M. Rezaul Hassan, CEO, Reve Group, urged the industry to transition pilot AI projects into large-scale implementations by involving banking users more actively.
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In his closing remarks, the seminar chair called upon banks to view AI not just as a temporary project, but as a long-term strategic capability.
He emphasized that banks must focus on high-quality data, skilled human resources, robust cybersecurity, and "explainable" AI systems to ensure long-term success.
The event was attended by senior officials from various departments of Bangladesh Bank, members of the AI and Machine Learning implementation teams, and IT heads from various commercial banks and financial institutions.