Dhaka, 8 October 2026 – The Governance Innovation Unit (GIU) of the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs jointly organized the “AI and Innovation Dialogue” today at the GIU Auditorium in Segunbagicha, Dhaka. The event, the third in a series stemming from the Trade, Growth and Economic Diplomacy Conference held in June, reaffirmed Bangladesh’s priority of placing artificial intelligence at the core of its tech diplomacy and public service agenda.
The dialogue brought together senior government advisers, ministers, diplomats and representatives of international organisations. Adviser to the Prime Minister on Public Administration and Head of GIU, Mr. Md Ismail Zabihullah, served as Chief Guest, urging a whole‑of‑government approach and seamless interoperability across public service domains. Special Guest Mr. Rehan Asif Asad, Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications, Information Technology and Science and Technology, highlighted the need for wider digital access, secure high‑speed connectivity and institutionalised AI initiatives.
State Minister Humaiun Kobir underscored the importance of knowledge workers as the “third strand” of Bangladesh’s economic DNA and called for greater inter‑ministerial collaboration. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, MP, described AI as the primary axis of Bangladesh’s drive toward a trillion‑dollar economy, stressing technology indigenisation, startup support and the principle that AI should augment, not replace, people.
Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury raised the strategic question of “who controls AI and who benefits from it,” reiterating Bangladesh’s ambition to become an equitable beneficiary and a global bridge‑builder in the emerging digital order. He announced that Bangladesh expects to develop its own sovereign AI system within the next twelve months.
The virtual component of the dialogue saw participation from twenty‑five international organisations and eighty‑five diplomatic missions, alongside senior officials, development partners, technology industry leaders, startups, academia and think‑tanks. Attendees exchanged views on governance frameworks, data sovereignty and collaborative pathways for AI deployment in public services.
The event concluded with a consensus that Bangladesh’s proactive stance on AI governance will enhance its diplomatic influence and support sustainable economic growth, positioning the country as a regional leader in responsible digital transformation.
Why it matters
The dialogue signals Bangladesh’s commitment to lead in AI governance and strengthen its diplomatic influence in the digital economy.