Bangladesh is advancing its efforts to establish a comprehensive, human-centric Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance framework. Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam highlighted this initiative while representing Bangladesh at the 'High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance' during the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) 2026 in Shanghai, China.
In his address, Minister Faqir Mahbub emphasized that the current government is committed to reforming the country's digital policies and legal structures to align with contemporary standards. This transformation aims to harness the potential of AI for the benefit of citizens while ensuring a robust governance framework to mitigate potential risks.
Under the direction of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Bangladesh is making significant progress in formulating an integrated and inclusive National AI Policy. The government is also executing key initiatives such as strengthening personal data protection and cybersecurity measures, drafting guidelines for AI deployment in the public sector, ensuring responsible data management standards, and expanding AI-based education and curriculum.
Additionally, decentralized AI Centres of Excellence are being established across various regions to promote inclusive development. The Minister proposed four fundamental priorities for global AI governance: safety, equity, adaptability, and international cooperation. He stressed the need for the international community to collaborate closely to ensure technology transfer, capacity building, data sovereignty, and equitable technological access for developing countries.
Faqir Mahbub Anam underscored Bangladesh's call for robust global cooperation, asserting that the future of AI should embody human values, justice, and inclusivity. The WAIC 2026, held in Shanghai from July 17 to July 20, brought together heads of government, ministers, industry leaders, and academics to discuss the future of AI, its ethical governance, and the consolidation of global cooperation in this domain.
