Bangladesh is formulating a national artificial intelligence (AI) policy that will introduce rules for public-sector AI deployment, strengthen data protection and cybersecurity, and establish AI research centres across the country as the government moves to build a regulatory framework for the rapidly expanding technology.
Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam announced the initiative at the High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance during the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) 2026 in Shanghai on Saturday, saying the policy aims to harness AI for economic and social development while ensuring ethical, secure and responsible use.
The policy, being developed under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, forms part of a broader overhaul of Bangladesh’s digital governance framework as policymakers seek to prepare the country for wider AI adoption across public services, businesses and education while addressing growing concerns over privacy, cybersecurity and responsible data use.
The proposed framework includes legislation and guidelines on personal data protection, responsible data management and cybersecurity, alongside standards for deploying AI in government services. The government also plans to expand AI education, integrate AI into academic curricula and establish decentralised AI Centres of Excellence to strengthen research, innovation and workforce skills.
Speaking at the conference, Anam said Bangladesh viewed AI governance as a balance between innovation and accountability, arguing that technology should improve citizens’ lives without compromising fundamental rights.
He urged greater international cooperation on technology transfer, capacity building, data sovereignty and equitable access to AI technologies, saying developing countries should not be left behind in the global AI transition.
The minister proposed four priorities for global AI governance — safety, equity, adaptability and international cooperation — and said the future of artificial intelligence should be guided by human values, justice and inclusivity rather than technological advancement alone.
Held under the theme “AI Partnership for a Brighter Future,” the conference brought together heads of government, ministers, leaders of international organisations, technology companies and academics from more than 100 countries to discuss AI governance, sustainable development and international cooperation.
The four-day summit, running from 17 to 20 July in Shanghai, is among the world’s largest AI gatherings and focuses on developing international approaches to governing rapidly advancing AI technologies.
