Bangladesh needs to create a knowledge base on artificial intelligence (AI) and train people who can implement this knowledge, a speaker said at a panel discussion.

“We need to build a knowledge base and train people. Having only AI experts doesn’t work; people need to be trained to implement the knowledge, and we’re not working in that space yet – it starts with the experts who imagine solutions, all down to grassroots workers,” said Hosna Ferdous Sumi, senior private sector specialist for finance, competitiveness and innovation at the World Bank, discussing the reactive nature of current decision-making processes in terms of AI.

She was recently speaking at a panel discussion titled ‘Bangladesh’s Digital Policy Landscape: Balancing Innovation and Regulation’ at the capital’s Crowne Plaza.

International management consulting firm LightCastle Partners organized the event in association with The Daily Star, according to a press release.

Sumi highlighted the need for a more proactive approach to integrating AI into various value chains, including export diversification and ready-made garment production lines.

Meenara Khondker and Rafsan Zia, Business Consultants at LightCastle Partners, jointly delivered the keynote presentation, which provided an overview of Bangladesh’s digital policy frameworks with a special focus on AI, Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms and data confidentiality.

The keynote highlighted the importance of considering international best practices and made five key policy recommendations: invest in local AI infrastructure, adopt secure data practices, establish independent governance of OTT platforms , promote mastery of AI and foster interoperable digital ecosystems.

Oli Ahad, founder of Enterprise Tech, highlighted the urgent need for Bangladesh to align with the rapid advancements in AI globally.

“AI has failed to adapt to the product market in Bangladesh. The need to persuade people to use AI services shows a lack of market readiness,” he said.

He highlighted the importance of strategic intentions to maximize the benefits of AI, warning that Bangladesh risks falling behind if it does not adopt it properly.

Fahim Ahmed, chief executive officer of Pathao, expressed concerns over the premature drafting of AI policies.

“We need to work on the fundamental questions of hygiene before we can move into developing or debating AI policies,” Ahmed said.

He recommended a cautious approach to AI legislation, suggesting a period of observation and learning.