Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam has emphasized the importance of experience sharing, institutional capacity building, and mutual partnerships among countries of the Caucasus, Central Asia, and Asia-Pacific regions. The minister made these remarks while delivering a welcome address on behalf of 12 countries participating in an interregional project at the United Nations Public Service Forum (UNPSF) 2026 held in Tbilisi, Georgia, according to a ministry press release.
Addressing Digital Transformation Challenges
Minister Anam noted that the global failure rate of digital transformation initiatives stands at around 70 to 80 percent. To overcome this significant challenge, he stressed the necessity of sharing mutual experiences. He highlighted that peer-to-peer and South-South Cooperation are core components of development, where a successful solution in one country can inspire innovation and progress in another.
Forum Theme and Bangladesh's Progress
Aligning with this year's forum theme, "Transforming Public Institutions: Advancing Innovation, Accountability, Participation and Inclusion," the minister shared his views on innovation, accountability, and inclusion. He presented Bangladesh's progress and future plans, noting that a citizen-centric digital transformation process is underway under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Bangladesh is adopting a Service Delivery Maturity Model and a Product Management approach for greater agility.
Focus on Artificial Intelligence and Governance
Referring to the growing importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Minister Anam said that while AI offers enormous opportunities to improve the quality and efficiency of public services, ensuring AI governance, transparency, and fairness remains essential. Bangladesh is currently working jointly with UNDP on the practical application of AI in public services, policymaking, and sandboxing. The country is also focusing on AI sovereignty, responsible use, impartiality, and institutional preparedness within limited resources.
Bilateral Meetings and Future Partnerships
During the forum, Minister Anam held bilateral meetings with Cambodia's Minister of Posts and Telecommunications Vandeth Chea, Executive Director of Azerbaijan's ASAN Innovations Centre Vusal Rustamov, and Chairman of Kazakhstan's Astana Civil Service Hub Alikhan Baimenov. These meetings resulted in several forward-looking outcomes, including the establishment of a sustainable bilateral cooperation framework with Azerbaijan, a joint framework with Cambodia to expand technology-based services, and the decision to establish a new Innovation Agency in Bangladesh with support from the Astana Hub.
International Recognition and Gratitude
Through these meetings, Bangladesh received international recognition for its digital achievements and paved the way for stronger global partnerships and technical support in building AI in Governance and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for future smart governance. Minister Anam expressed special gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Korea, the country's Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the National Information Society Agency (NIA), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Astana Civil Service Hub for their support.
