[🇧🇩] Artificial Intelligence-----It's challenges and Prospects in Bangladesh

[Saif]

Source: https://www.thedailystar.net/business/news/govt-drafts-ai-policy-tap-its-potential-tackle-concerns-3653106

Govt drafts AI policy to tap its potential, tackle concerns

The government has formulated the draft National AI policy as it looks to make the best use of artificial intelligence to raise productivity and spur economic growth while dealing with the concerns presented by the technology spreading at a breakneck pace.

"This policy seeks to harness the benefits of AI while mitigating its risks, fostering innovation, and ensuring that AI technologies serve the best interests of the citizens and the nation as a whole," the draft said.

The Information and Communication Technology Division prepared the National AI Policy and published it recently.

The policy is expected to address the legal, ethical, and societal implications of AI effectively and efficiently.

It has placed a significant emphasis on public awareness and education, enlightening citizens about AI and its far-reaching benefits.

The objectives of the policy are to accelerate equitable economic growth and productivity through AI-driven optimisation, forecasting, and data-driven decision-making, and ensure efficiency and accessibility of public services through AI-enabled personalisation.

The draft comes as countries around the world race to prepare to deal with the changes being brought about by the fast-evolving technology.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has published its new AI Preparedness Index Dashboard for 174 economies, based on their readiness in four areas: digital infrastructure, human capital and labour market policies, innovation and economic integration, and regulation.

It showed Bangladesh's score stands at 0.38 compared to 0.49 of India, 0.37 of Pakistan, 0.35 of Nepal, 0.44 of Sri Lanka, 0.77 of the US, 0.64 of China, and 0.73 of Australia. Developed countries have a score of at least 0.7.

In Bangladesh, the government plans to adopt data-driven policy-making in every sector through AI-supported analytics and insights and nurture a skilled workforce that can utilise and build AI technologies.

It wants to embed AI in education and skills development so that the largely young population can meet the demands of the future.

The draft said the country will also foster a culture of AI research and innovation through public and private funding. It will ensure development and adhere to a robust ethical framework by establishing regulatory measures that uphold human rights in AI development and deployment.

The ICT Division, in collaboration with relevant ministries, industry, academia, and civil society, will take necessary steps to establish the institutional framework for the policy implementation, officials said.

It will set up an independent National Artificial Intelligence Center of Excellence (NAICE).

The NAICE will be responsible for coordination and monitoring of AI initiatives using key performance indicators and evaluation of AI initiatives' social, economic, and environmental impacts, guiding adjustments for maximum benefits and risk mitigation.

It will facilitate collaboration and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders, including government agencies, industry, academia, and civil society. It will ensure that any measures taken to regulate the technology are proportional to the risk and balanced to encourage innovation.

The government will form a high-level national AI advisory council to guide the implementation of sectoral AI initiatives.

The draft said the legal and regulatory frameworks are necessary for AI policy implementation.

The National Strategy for AI will be framed, and it will be updated every two years in accordance with the advancement of AI worldwide.

The strategy will include data retention policies, deal with the legal issues of data governance and ownership and focus on interoperability and data exchange.

According to IMF's economist Giovanni Melina, AI can increase productivity, boost economic growth, and lift incomes. However, it could also wipe out millions of jobs and widen inequality.

IMF's research has shown how AI is poised to reshape the global economy. It could endanger 33 percent of jobs in advanced economies, 24 percent in emerging economies, and 18 percent in low-income countries.

But, on the brighter side, it also brings enormous potential to enhance the productivity of existing jobs for which AI can be a complementary tool and to create new jobs and even new industries.

Melina said most emerging market economies and low-income countries have smaller shares of high-skilled jobs than advanced economies, and so will likely be less affected and face fewer immediate disruptions from AI.

"At the same time, many of these countries lack the infrastructure or skilled workforces needed to harness AI's benefits, which could worsen inequality among nations."

The economist said the policy priority for emerging markets and developing economies should be to lay a strong foundation by investing in digital infrastructure and digital training for workers.​

 

[Saif]

Vision for an AI law in Bangladesh

To position Bangladesh as a leader in AI innovation, substantial investments in AI research and development (R&D) are crucial.

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Vision for an AI law in Bangladesh

VISUAL: STAR

We may not notice it at first glance, but the world is going through a technological renaissance in the form of Artificial Intelligence. In the bustling heart of South Asia, Bangladesh also stands on the cusp of this technological renaissance. As artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries worldwide, the nation is facing an urgent call to draft forward-thinking AI policy guidelines. Imagine a future where Dhaka's traffic is managed by smart systems, farmers use AI to boost crop yields, and healthcare is revolutionised by predictive analytics. In the current situation, this thought might be farfetched, but this promising horizon can come sooner rather than later if Bangladesh can establish a policy guideline that can navigate its set of challenges and responsibilities. Bangladesh must utilise the AI wave with a blend of ambition and caution, ensuring that innovation does not eclipse ethics and inclusivity.

Crafting Bangladesh's AI policy is a bit like preparing the perfect biriyani: it requires just the right mix of ingredients to create something truly remarkable. The focus should be on blending robust international cooperation to ensure trustworthy AI, with a generous helping of digital infrastructure to provide the computing power needed for innovation. Stir in public awareness and civic engagement to keep society informed and involved, sprinkle generously with investments in public research capabilities, and don't forget to season with education and skill development to prepare the workforce for future challenges. Finally, top it off with initiatives to boost connectivity and digitalisation, and a strategic vision aligned with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) to ensure sustainable growth. When these elements come together, Bangladesh can set up a tech policy that's not only cutting-edge, but also inclusive and forward-thinking. So, what elements should be on the radar of policymakers when crafting this pivotal piece of legislation?

First of all, AI's transformative potential can only be fully realised if there's a skilled workforce to harness it. Thus, the AI Act must prioritise comprehensive education and training programmes. Integrating AI into school curriculum, establishing vocational training programmes, and offering scholarships for AI-related fields are essential steps. This not only prepares the next generation for AI-driven jobs but also ensures that the current workforce is not left behind.

To position Bangladesh as a leader in AI innovation, substantial investments in AI research and development (R&D) are crucial. This involves funding interdisciplinary research collaborations between universities, research institutions, and private industries. The goal should be to advance AI capabilities in key sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing. Think about AI research centres and innovation hubs sprouting across the country, nurturing a vibrant ecosystem of startups and entrepreneurs. We need to build a digital infrastructure. For example, we can talk about the recent policy on AI that was adopted by Vietnam. Within 2030, they want to build an "AI ecosystem." It means a fluid incorporation of AI in the commercial and research sectors. This ecosystem may include various components that work together to foster innovation, ensure ethical standards, and drive the economic and societal benefits in the country. Most importantly, to foster AI innovation in Vietnam, the government is taking a comprehensive strategy focusing on human resource development, organisational construction, research and development, and investment in AI enterprises. This includes deploying basic AI and data science skills through short and medium-term training courses for students and career-changing workers, attracting both domestic and foreign resources to build training centres, and establishing key research hubs at leading universities. Ultimately, the Vietnamese government wants to promote and attract investment capital for the growth of AI enterprises and brands in Vietnam.

Similarly, for AI to flourish, Bangladesh needs to prioritise investment in high-speed internet connectivity, cloud computing services, and data centres. This infrastructure will provide the necessary computing power and data storage capabilities for AI applications across various sectors. Building this infrastructure is another difficult but manageable task with the right collaborative efforts. If the government can encourage collaborations between itself, the private sector, and academia then Bangladesh can create a fertile ground for AI advancements tailored to local needs. And not only through local collaboration, but Bangladesh should also establish partnerships with other countries, international organisations, and tech companies to develop shared principles and standards for trustworthy AI. This can also position the country as a trustworthy player in the global AI landscape, attracting international investments and collaborations.

We have to remember that, in the current AI-driven world, data is the new oil. However, with great data comes great responsibility. Ensuring a robust data security infrastructure is paramount. The AI Act should mandate the use of cutting-edge encryption technologies, continuous monitoring systems, and regular security audits to protect sensitive information from cyber threats. This is not just about safeguarding individual privacy but also about building trust in AI systems. A data breach in a healthcare system powered by AI could have catastrophic consequences, undermining public confidence. Therefore, a comprehensive focus on data security is non-negotiable.

Another thing to note is that AI is a double-edged sword. While it has the potential to drive unprecedented progress, it also poses significant ethical challenges. The AI Act should establish clear guidelines for ethical AI deployment, ensuring transparency, accountability, and fairness. It is very easy to misuse AI and promote misinformation or biases. Nowadays, AI can create realistic but fake images, videos, and audio (deepfakes), which can be used to spread misinformation, manipulate public opinion, or damage reputations. It also increases fraud and scams because there are no established guidelines to use of AI systems. AI can perpetuate and amplify biases present in their training data, leading to discriminatory practices in hiring, lending, law enforcement, and more. So, establishing data protection laws to safeguard personal information and fostering transparency in AI decision-making processes are critical steps toward ethical AI.

All in all, crafting an AI Act for Bangladesh goes beyond technicalities, it centres on people and public engagement. Essential initiatives include public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on AI's benefits and risks, and involving diverse stakeholders—civil society, academia, and industry—in policymaking to ensure transparency and accountability. The Act should also align with Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) principles which emphasises innovation, digitalisation, and interconnectedness. By balancing innovation with regulation and addressing local needs while adhering to global standards, Bangladesh can harness AI's transformative power for an inclusive, ethical, and sustainable digital future.

This is Part II of a two-part series. The first part was published in Page 9 of The Daily Star on June 23, 2024.

Warda Ruheen Bristi and Shafin Haque Omlan are research associates at Bangladesh Institute of Governance and Management (BIGM).​

 

[Saif]

Why we need an AI law in Bangladesh

We need to strike a balance between fostering innovation and safeguarding fundamental rights.

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Why we need an AI law in Bangladesh

Visual: Star

On March 13, 2024, the European Union (EU) passed the world's first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act. In an era defined by rapid technological advancement, the rise of AI presents both unprecedented opportunities and complex challenges for nations worldwide, and the EU has become the first entity to formally address those. In Bangladesh, a country in the midst of a rapid technological evolution, the emergence of AI stands as a pivotal moment with far-reaching implications. As the nation seeks to harness the potential of AI for societal advancement and economic growth, the importance of establishing a robust legal framework to govern AI-related issues cannot be overstated.

First, let's talk about the potential of AI. In short, it is vast and varied, touching virtually every aspect of human life. AI has the capability to automate repetitive tasks across various industries, freeing up human workers to focus on more creative and strategic endeavours. In healthcare, AI can assist in diagnosing diseases, analysing medical images, and personalising treatment plans, leading to more accurate and efficient healthcare delivery. Similarly, AI has the potential to revolutionise education through personalised learning experiences, adaptive tutoring systems, and virtual classroom assistants. In transportation, AI-powered autonomous vehicles can enhance road safety, reduce traffic congestion, and improve transportation efficiency. The financial sector can benefit from AI algorithms used for fraud detection, risk assessment, portfolio management, and customer service. Additionally, AI can contribute to environmental conservation efforts by analysing large datasets to monitor and predict environmental changes, optimise resource management, and develop sustainable solutions. In the realm of entertainment, AI-generated content such as music, art and literature can inspire creativity and offer new forms of entertainment.

Already, multiple countries have approved or are on their way to approving regulations regarding AI. The EU's AI Act is helping them focus on establishing a common cybersecurity framework across the bloc, enhancing security certifications for ICT products, and strengthening the role of the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity. The EU has also drafted a Cybersecurity Act. India has passed the Digital India Act, 2023, which aims to update and modernise India's digital governance framework. It addresses cybersecurity, data privacy, and ethical AI use. Vietnam also has approved a national digital transformation plan, which aims at promoting a digital transition in governance, the economy, and society more broadly, as well as establishing Vietnamese technology firms as global players. Under this plan, several goals are laid out to be achieved by 2025. They have also developed a national strategy for research, development and application of AI by 2030. This strategy outlines a number of key goals and directives for developing AI technology in Vietnam. It's clear that Vietnam is committed to a digital transition and cannot ignore the role that artificial intelligence will play to that end.

Similarly, our aspirations for a Digital Bangladesh hinges on our ability to navigate the complexities of AI responsibly. When talking about establishing a regulatory framework for Bangladesh, the heart of the discussion lies within the imperative to strike a balance between fostering innovation and safeguarding fundamental rights. A balanced regulatory framework is essential not only for spurring innovation and attracting investment, but also for safeguarding against potential risks associated with AI.
Aside from the potential of AI, there are concerning reasons too for which an AI law is necessary. AI poses several risks to personal and organisational safety, hence it must be carefully managed to ensure responsible and ethical use of the technology. For individuals, AI can compromise privacy if systems improperly collect, store, or use personal data without consent or appropriate safeguards. This can lead to identity theft, unauthorised surveillance, and exploitation of personal information. We are already seeing lots of examples of deepfake videos where the faces of famous personalities are used in spreading rumours or damaging their reputation. If AI is not regulated quickly, these incidents may soon get out of hand, and for a country like Bangladesh, where people are somewhat susceptible to rumours, they might spread like wildfire. AI systems may also perpetuate bias or discrimination if not properly designed and vetted, impacting individuals unfairly in areas such as hiring, lending or legal judgments.

Moreover, in order to shed light on Bangladesh's aspiration to become a digital powerhouse and a hub for innovation, the enactment of an AI law is instrumental in enhancing the country's competitiveness and global standing. By aligning with international best practices and standards, the country can foster international collaboration, attract foreign investment, and strengthen its position in the global AI landscape. The timely development of an AI act will present an opportunity for Bangladesh to showcase its commitment to ethical AI governance and responsible innovation to the rest of the world. By engaging with stakeholders across the government, industry, academia, and civil society, policymakers can leverage diverse perspectives to develop inclusive and forward-thinking AI policies that reflect the country's values and priorities.

Seizing the momentum of the current trend and developing a legal framework for AI-related issues is crucial for Bangladesh's continued progress in the digital age. Aligning with international best practices and standards is essential to enhance the country's competitiveness and credibility in the global AI landscape. By demonstrating a commitment to ethical AI governance, Bangladesh can attract foreign investment, foster international collaboration, and strengthen its position as a leader in responsible AI development.

This article is Part I of a two-part series.

Warda Ruheen Bristi and Shafin Haque Omlan are research associates at Bangladesh Institute of Governance and Management (BIGM).​

 

[Saif]

We need to act on AI now, not have an act for it

There is a good reason why the government has decided to use AI as the fulcrum to realise the goal of Smart Bangladesh.

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We need to act on AI now, not have an act for it

Visual: Shaikh Sultana Jahan Badhon
When Bangladesh embarked on its journey towards Digital Bangladesh in 2009, many were sceptical about it. But as time progressed, we all saw how the vision started to become a reality.

This vision, at its core, aspires to create a nation that is adept at solving problems at all spheres of life through innovative application of digital technologies. The government has made it abundantly clear that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is going to play a pivotal role in implementing the Smart Bangladesh vision. Following this vision, the government has recently unveiled a draft National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy 2024 for public consultation.

There is a good reason why the government has decided to use AI as the fulcrum to realise the goal of Smart Bangladesh. Unlike other digital technologies, the potential of application of AI is literally all around us. Starting from our personal lives, to modernising public service delivery, the scope for AI is limitless.

Be it public transport or AI-driven personal vehicles, personal healthcare solutions or the public healthcare system, from individual human resource productivity or national competitiveness in productivity levels, every imaginable aspect of our individual, societal, as well as national issues can have a transformative impact if we can smartly apply AI to solve our problems.

But the question is this: how do we facilitate AI to deliver the dividends for us? If we look around, we can see that every country in the world is trying to strike a balance between innovation and regulatory oversight. There is palpable consensus on adopting more of a business-friendly approach to AI regulation, by avoiding excessive restrictions.

The government has been trying to create a pathway for AI in Bangladesh by preparing the National Strategy for AI in 2020, followed by the recent release of the draft AI Policy in 2024. Having read the draft policy on AI, I felt that it provides an excellent template to foment the use of AI in every sector. The institutional framework outlined in the policy to pursue AI projects is well thought through. On top of that, the sectoral plans for application of AI provides an excellent starting point.

But what puzzles me is the stated desire of the government to introduce an Act for AI. When we are supposed to allow as much room as possible for our AI practitioners to fully demonstrate their talent, we are planning to limit what they can and can't do along with defined punitive measures through the AI Act. I am certain that this is not how you invite people into the fold of new technology.

As of now, the European Union (EU) is the only entity to have enacted an AI Act. At the heart of the Act, it is mandatory to ensure that AI platforms are monitored or overseen by human beings, not another AI platform. It's worth noting that many AI experts have termed this as a knee-jerk reaction as they consider a law on AI to be too premature at this stage.

The US does not have a federal law covering AI, nor is there any universal definition for AI. It is currently governed by a mix of decentralised existing federal and state legislations, industry itself and the courts. Through an executive order last year, every US government agency was tasked to set up working groups to evaluate AI, develop regulations and establish public-private engagement.

In United Kingdom (UK), the government has unveiled its response to AI Regulation White Paper consultation in February 2024. They don't have any plans to codify that into law for now. It advocates a context-sensitive, balanced approach, using existing sector-specific laws for AI guidance.

In India, the upcoming Digital India Act is set to focus on the regulation of high-risk AI applications. No plan to enact separate legislation is afoot. Singapore also doesn't have any AI legislation; they have a sector specific approach to overall governance and regulation. Japan also has a relatively hands-off approach and has been encouraging AI development and application across various sectors.

The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) has issued a guide to AI governance and ethics in February 2024. The national-level recommendations include nurturing AI talent, upskilling workforces and investing in AI research and development. Australia also doesn't have any AI legislation; the government there is approaching it with a voluntary ethics framework.

It's worth noting that the core purpose of having a law is to create a framework for dos and don'ts in a particular area with the option to resort to the legal system to settle disputes or punish offenders of the law. The question here is, how do we know what is doable and what is not, when we don't have any prior experience with AI in Bangladesh.

Even if we consider enacting a law, we need to ascertain areas where government regulation is needed, in light of the global best practices. AI law or policy considerations should include the use and processing of personal data, privacy, infringement, surveillance, algorithm bias in customer interactions, data sovereignty, monitoring AI based platforms, cybersecurity, and social norms and values etc. Most importantly, we need to focus on the fundamental ethical aspects of AI, which are more universally agreed upon compared to specific AI regulations.

We must realise innovation involves a very messy and unstructured process. The key to innovation is to have a creative mindset that can go beyond conventional thinking to come up with the simplest of solutions to complex problems. Putting barriers on this through an AI Act is the last thing we need at this moment.

If we want to meet the export earnings target of $5 billion from the ICT sector, we need to facilitate our developers to catch up with the rapid pace of AI development globally, instead of scaring them off with an act that comes with punitive measures. More AI regulation risks stifling new start-ups who lack the resources of the globally dominant platforms. We need to focus on creating a large pool of highly skilled human resources in AI. The draft AI policy provides a baseline to embark on this AI journey.

Shahed Alam is a barrister and telecom expert.​

 

[Saif]

Why AI tech needs to be democratised

To ensure that people profit from AI and other digital technologies and are protected from their misuse, we must discover responsible methods to use them.

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Why AI tech needs to be democratised

We must take seriously the legitimate concerns about AI that have been raised. FILE PHOTO: REUTERS

With the introduction of "large language models" (LLMs) in our day-to-day lives, artificial intelligence (AI) systems have experienced a sharp surge in popularity. It is already apparent that the usage of AI systems will drastically impact our professional lives, private lives, and – perhaps most crucially – how we structure and govern our societies. This isn't because algorithms are inherently more innovative than people; instead, they provide economic stability and efficiency in completing many simple and complex tasks at a level that many humans cannot match.

The introduction of AI systems in public administration and the judicial system, as well as their use concerning the provision of certain essential services by private actors, raises serious concerns about how to safeguard the sustained protection of human rights and democracy and respect for the rule of law, if AI systems assist or even replace human decision-makers. This contrasts with the general public debate, which focuses on the AI technology's economic benefits and drawbacks. The very foundations of liberal democracy, such as elections, the freedom to assemble and establish associations, and the right to have opinions and to receive or disseminate information, may all be severely impacted by their use.

Recent calls for a ban on AI technology have come from influential voices in the public discourse who believe that the risks it brings exceed its benefits. Though we must acknowledge that the genie is out of the bottle and that there is no practical way to turn back the scientific and technological advancements that have made it possible to develop sophisticated and potent AI systems, we must also take seriously the legitimate concerns about AI that have been raised.

The Council of Europe (CoE), the oldest intergovernmental regional organisation, with 46 member-states and perhaps best known globally for its European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), started groundbreaking research on the viability and necessity of an international treaty on AI based on its own and other pertinent international legal norms in the fields of democratic values, human rights advocacy, and the rule of law commitments in 2019. The Committee on Artificial Intelligence (CAI), formed for the period of 2022-2024, is tasked with developing an AI framework convention that will outline legally binding standards, guidelines, rights, and obligations regarding the creation, development, application, and decommissioning of AI systems from the perspectives of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

It will take a coordinated effort from like-minded states and assistance from civil society, the tech sector, and academics to complete this enormous undertaking. Our hope and ambition is that the Council of Europe's AI framework convention will provide much-needed legal clarity and guarantees of the protection of fundamental rights.

But a genuine setup of standards for the human rights and democratic features of AI systems cannot be restricted to a particular region, because AI technology knows no borders. As a result, the CoE's Committee of Ministers decided to permit interested non-European states that share its goals and ideals to participate in the negotiations, and an increasing number of these states have already signed on or are actively working to join the efforts.

The European Union (EU), which regulates AI systems for its 27 member-states, is also directly involved in the CoE negotiations. The AI Act of the EU and the CoE's framework convention are designed to complement one another when they go into effect, showing how to effectively utilise the joint capabilities and skills of the two European entities. The draft framework convention is aimed at ensuring that the use of AI technology does not result in a legal vacuum regarding the protection of human rights, the operation of democracy and democratic processes, or the observance of the rule of law (a consolidated "working draft" is publicly available at the CoE website for the CAI).

To this end, parties must obligate regulators, developers, providers, and other AI players to consider dangers to human rights, democracy, and the rule of law from the moment these systems are conceived and throughout their existence. In addition, the legal system that victims of human rights breaches have access to should be modified in light of the unique difficulties that AI technologies present, such as their transparency and rationalisation.

The treaty will also specifically address the potential risks to democracy and democratic processes posed by AI technology. This includes the use of the so-called "deep fakes," microtargeting, or more overt violations of the freedoms of expression, association, opinion formation, and the ability to obtain and disseminate information. The framework convention will include enforceable duties for its parties to offer such practices with adequate protection. When developing and employing AI systems that may be used in sensitive contexts, including but not limited to the drafting of laws, public administration, and last but not least, the administration of justice through the courts of law, it is evident that the fundamental idea of what constitutes a just and liberal, law-abiding society must be respected. The framework convention will also specify the parties' precise obligations in this area.

The draft framework convention, as well as all of CAI's work, prioritises human dignity and agency by taking a Harmonised Risk-Driven Approach (HRDA) to design, develop, use and decommission AI systems. It's crucial to carefully analyse any potential adverse effects of deploying AI systems in diverse circumstances before getting carried away by the apparent possibilities given by this technology. Therefore, parties are also required by the proposed framework convention to spread knowledge about AI technology and to encourage an informed public discussion about its proper application.

To ensure that as many people as possible profit from AI and other digital technologies and are protected from their misuse, the realistic approach must be to discover responsible methods to use them. It will take a coordinated effort from like-minded states and assistance from civil society, the tech sector, and academics to complete this enormous undertaking. Our hope and ambition is that the Council of Europe's AI framework convention will provide much-needed legal clarity and guarantees of the protection of fundamental rights.

Dr Nafees Ahmad is associate professor at the Faculty of Legal Studies in South Asian University, New Delhi.​