Bangladesh drafting human-centric national AI policy: Minister
Faqir Mahbub proposed four priorities for global AI governance: safety, equity, adaptability and international cooperation.
Bangladesh is formulating a human-centric National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy rooted in human rights, ethics and inclusive development as part of efforts to establish a modern, safe and responsible AI governance framework, Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam has said.
Speaking at the High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance during the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) 2026 in Shanghai, China, the minister said the government is modernising the country's digital policies and legal framework to harness AI for public welfare while ensuring safeguards against potential risks, reports BSS.
According to a ministry press release issued today (18, July) Faqir Mahbub, who also serves as the science and technology minister, said Bangladesh is making rapid progress in formulating an integrated and inclusive National AI Policy under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
He said the policy seeks to maximise the benefits of artificial intelligence for citizens while ensuring its development and use remain aligned with human rights, ethical principles and inclusive development.
The government is simultaneously implementing a series of complementary initiatives, including strengthening personal data protection and cybersecurity, drafting guidelines for AI deployment in the public sector, establishing responsible data management standards, expanding AI education and curricula, and setting up decentralised AI Centres of Excellence across different regions of the country.
Addressing the conference, Faqir Mahbub proposed four priorities for global AI governance: safety, equity, adaptability and international cooperation.
He stressed that the international community should work together to promote technology transfer, capacity building, data sovereignty and equitable access to AI technologies for developing countries.
"The future of AI should not merely reflect technological excellence but must also embody human values, justice and inclusivity," he said.
Held under the theme "AI Partnership for a Brighter Future," the high-level meeting focused on using artificial intelligence to accelerate sustainable development, strengthen collective security, promote inclusive growth and enhance global AI governance.
The conference brought together heads of government, ministers, representatives from more than 100 countries, leaders of international organisations, industry executives and academics to exchange views on the future of AI, ethical governance and international cooperation.
The four-day WAIC 2026 is being held in Shanghai, China, from 17 to 20 July.
