Works on human-centric nat’l AI Policy ongoing: ICT minister

Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam has said that Bangladesh is working to build a modern, secure and responsible artificial intelligence (AI) governance framework based on human rights, ethics and inclusive development.

He made the remarks while addressing the High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) 2026 in China’s Shanghai, on Saturday, according to a press release issued by the ICT Division.

The minister said that the government is reforming the country's digital policies and legal framework to harness the potential of AI for public welfare while ensuring an effective governance system to address its associated risks.

He said Bangladesh, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is advancing work on a comprehensive and inclusive national AI policy. The government is also implementing initiatives to strengthen personal data protection and cybersecurity, formulate guidelines for AI use in the public sector, ensure responsible data governance, expand AI-based education and establish decentralized AI Centres of Excellence across different regions of the country.

Highlighting Bangladesh's vision for global AI governance, the minister outlined four key priorities: safety, equity, adaptability and international cooperation. He stressed that the international community must work together to ensure technology transfer, capacity building, data sovereignty and equitable access to technology for developing countries.

Fakir Mahbub Anam also called for stronger global collaboration to ensure that the future of AI reflects human values, justice and inclusivity, rather than technological advancement alone.