Play store
The Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) convened a high-level seminar titled “AI and Governance: Global Technology Architecture, National Digital Public Infrastructure and Policy Directives” on Thursday at the BIISS Auditorium in Dhaka.
Addressing the seminar as the chief guest, Md Ismail Zabihullah, Adviser to the Prime Minister for Public Administration, stressed the urgent necessity of finalising Bangladesh’s national AI policy. He urged caution regarding data privacy and consent as technology integration accelerates across the public sector.
Highlighted during his address was AI’s immense potential to streamline administrative functions, particularly in project formulation, long-term planning, and state financial management.
The event commenced with a welcome address by BIISS Director General Major General A S M Ridwanur Rahman, who advocated for people-centred, accountable innovation that safeguards the public interest and ensures technological advancements align with societal needs.
The seminar was chaired by BTRC Chairman Major General Md Emdad Ul Bari (retd), who called for a national interoperability framework, robust data-consent mechanisms, and transparent procurement standards to guide the country’s digital public infrastructure while enhancing international engagement.
Keynote presentations were delivered by Dr Syed Muntasir Mamun, Director General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ashfaq Zaman, Chief Strategist at the Dhaka Forum Initiative. An interactive open discussion followed, bringing together senior ministry officials, regulatory representatives, development partners, tech leaders, academics, and researchers.
The participants examined the opportunities and operational risks of AI adoption, the role of local demand in shaping norms, and the evolving security challenges posed by AI in cyber operations and modern warfare.