The government is giving top priority to developing an artificial intelligence (AI)-skilled workforce, describing the technology as a key driver of future economic growth, employment and national competitiveness, Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, and Science and Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam said on Saturday.
Speaking at the inauguration of an Artificial Intelligence Research Laboratory and the AI Project Competition 2026 at Daffodil International University in Savar, the minister said expanding AI research, innovation and talent development would be central to building a knowledge-based economy.
“AI is no longer just a technology. It has become a key driver of economic growth, employment and innovation,” he said, adding that the government aims to create 1 million new jobs in the ICT sector over the next five years.
He said university-based AI laboratories would serve as centres of excellence, equipping students with advanced skills, supporting research and developing industry-oriented solutions.
The minister said AI is already reshaping education, healthcare, agriculture, industry, business and public administration, making sustained investment in research, innovation and human capital essential for Bangladesh’s next stage of development.
He said the government’s digital transformation initiatives had laid the foundation for developing future-ready human resources through a range of ICT programmes.
Anam also announced government support for the most promising projects selected from 145 AI projects developed by Daffodil International University students. The projects will receive assistance through the ministry’s Startup Fund and other government platforms.
He added that the government is establishing AI training centres across the country and expanding satellite-based internet connectivity to underserved areas to support wider adoption of digital technologies.
The newly inaugurated AI laboratory houses 25 NVIDIA DGX Spark workstations and five high-performance computers equipped with RTX 3060 and RTX 4090 graphics processors. It has appointed five full-time researchers to develop AI applications and product solutions for real-world problems.
According to the university, the research team has already developed AI-powered tools including AI Professor, AI Proctor and AI Registrar, and is currently working on a Smart Classroom platform.
Following the inauguration, the minister presented awards to 12 winning teams across six categories selected from the 145 projects exhibited at the competition.
The event was chaired by Board of Trustees Chairman Md Sabur Khan.
Vice-Chancellor S M R Kabir, Pro-Vice Chancellor Md Shams Iqbal, Head of the Department of Computing and Information Systems Md Sarwar Hossain Mollah, faculty members, students and invited guests also attended.
