Bangladesh has launched its first national Artificial Intelligence Readiness Assessment report, a guide to help the country adopt AI in ways that protect people, widen access and keep human judgment central. The report was unveiled by the ICT Division, a2i, UNESCO and UNDP, and it draws on national data and consultations with government, universities, business and civil society to show what works now and what needs more work. It finds that Bangladesh has built foundations in e-government and that many people trust public digital services, giving the country a head start. At the same time the report points to gaps to fix so benefits reach everyone: many areas outside big cities still face weak internet and power, women and rural communities often lag in digital access, and local facilities lack high-end computing power and enough trained AI specialists. The assessment also notes the need for stronger data protection, better cybersecurity and clearer rules so that AI used in public services is explainable and accountable. Leaders said the findings will feed into a national AI policy and help make sure new rules are based on facts rather than guesses. Experts welcomed the report as both a mirror and a roadmap because it shows progress while listing reachable steps to make AI fair, safe and useful for ordinary people. Those steps include boosting internet and power in under-served areas, investing in training for teachers, students and technicians, building secure data systems, creating testing labs and running pilots that prove what works before scaling up. Officials and partners also highlighted the need for better coordination among ministries, clearer oversight and industry partnerships so that public services can use AI tools without losing human control or transparency. Grounded in global guidance on the ethics of AI, the report asks for a human-centred approach where technology supports public services, health, education and small businesses rather than replacing people. It calls for hands-on action such as joint training, simple standards for testing and certification, and public information so citizens know their rights and how systems make decisions. Local businesses and universities were urged to join pilots so students gain practical skills and firms can offer local testing services. Policymakers were asked to focus on measurable targets, like how many technicians are trained, how many labs are set up and how much more of the country has reliable internet, so gains are steady. The tone from participants was practical and upbeat: the report is meant to guide step-by-step change that leads to safer, fairer and more useful AI for everyone, and it points to partnerships, training and clear rules as the fastest way to turn ideas into real benefits for people and public institutions.
