Cheap access to artificial intelligence could accelerate Bangladesh’s economic transformation. But without strong institutions, regulation and digital literacy, the technology may generate as many challenges as opportunities.
Sumana Adak, UK
(Asian independent) Bangladesh has embraced artificial intelligence with remarkable speed. In recent months, advanced AI platforms such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Grok and DeepSeek have become available to millions of users at a cost lower than a daily cup of tea. For policymakers pursuing the ambitious goal of building a trillion-dollar economy by 2034, the appeal is obvious. AI promises higher productivity, faster innovation and broader access to knowledge, potentially giving Bangladesh a powerful new engine of growth. Yet the significance of this moment extends beyond technology. It is ultimately a test of governance.
The question facing Bangladesh is no longer whether AI should be adopted. That debate has effectively ended. In an increasingly digital global economy, refusing to engage with transformative technologies would risk economic stagnation and declining competitiveness. The more important question is whether the country can build the institutions, regulations and safeguards necessary to manage AI responsibly. The opportunities are substantial. AI has already begun reshaping education, healthcare, agriculture, scientific research and business operations worldwide. Students gain instant access to learning support, businesses automate routine tasks, researchers accelerate discovery and professionals make more informed decisions. For a developing economy seeking to move up the value chain, these gains could be significant.
Historically, nations that successfully harness new technologies have often experienced rapid economic advancement. Bangladesh has the potential to follow a similar path. AI could help address skills shortages, improve service delivery, increase productivity and foster innovation across sectors. However, technological progress rarely arrives without risks. Perhaps the most immediate challenge is misinformation. The latest AI models can generate convincing articles, photographs, audio recordings and videos within seconds. As deepfake technologies become increasingly sophisticated, distinguishing fact from fabrication will become more difficult. In a country where social media has become a major source of information and political discourse, this presents a serious challenge for public trust and democratic accountability.
Cybersecurity represents another area of concern. Around the world, AI is already being used to enhance phishing attacks, automate online scams and facilitate identity theft. While the technology empowers legitimate users, it also lowers barriers for bad actors. Bangladesh’s existing struggles with cybercrime suggest that these threats may intensify as AI tools become more widespread. There are also deeper questions about privacy, accountability and human decision making. As individuals increasingly rely on AI-generated information, the need for transparency and oversight becomes more urgent. Who is responsible when an AI system provides harmful advice? How should personal data be protected? And how can society ensure that algorithmic systems do not reinforce bias or spread harmful content? These are policy questions that cannot be left unanswered.
Environmental sustainability adds another layer to the debate. The computing infrastructure behind advanced AI systems consumes significant energy and water resources. For a country already confronting the realities of climate change, technological ambition must be balanced with environmental responsibility. None of these challenges justify resisting AI adoption. Rather, they highlight the importance of strategic planning. Technology alone does not create prosperity. Economic transformation depends on capable institutions, educated citizens and effective governance.
For Bangladesh, the priority should be clear: expand digital literacy, strengthen cybersecurity capabilities, establish robust data-protection laws and develop a comprehensive regulatory framework for AI. Access to technology may spark innovation, but policy will determine whether that innovation translates into sustainable progress. Bangladesh stands at a pivotal moment. Artificial intelligence could become one of the most powerful drivers of growth in the country’s modern history. Yet its success will be measured not by how rapidly AI spreads, but by how wisely it is governed. The AI revolution has arrived. The challenge now is ensuring that Bangladesh is ready for it.
