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

[Saif]

Govt service delivery: Task force for using AI, social media

A task force formed by the planning ministry is going to recommend the formation of an independent centre for delivering government services via social media and utilising artificial intelligence (AI).

www.thedailystar.net

Govt service delivery: Task force for using AI, social media

A task force formed by the planning ministry is going to recommend the formation of an independent centre for delivering government services via social media and utilising artificial intelligence (AI).

Such proposals came against the context that influence of both social media and artificial intelligence has been on the rise in Bangladesh alongside other parts of the globe.

The 12-member task force, led by KAS Murshid, former director general of the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies, has finalised a draft report.

The nearly 600-page report will be submitted to Planning and Education Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud in a couple of days, said ministry officials.

The ministry formed the task force in September last year to develop strategies to boost the economy and mobilise resources for equitable and sustainable development.

The draft report provides strategic recommendations for addressing pressing challenges and facilitating equitable and sustainable development in Bangladesh under the interim government led by Prof Muhammad Yunus.

It emphasises short-term pragmatic interventions and long-term reforms across sectors, addressing economic growth, governance, public service delivery, and environmental sustainability.

The draft report says the name of the centre will be the Centre for Social and Behavioural Change Communication and Research (CSBCC&R).

It added that the establishment of the independent centre is essential to addressing the fragmented nature of current efforts in this critical area.

Currently, various departments handle communication initiatives without a cohesive strategy, leading to inefficiencies, and missed opportunities.

The CSBCC&R would centralise these efforts, providing a structured platform for both traditional media and digital communication strategies.

By merging traditional methods such as community workshops and meetings with contemporary digital campaigns utilising social media and online platforms, the CSBCC&R would create a unified and impactful communication strategy to drive social change, attitudes, norms, and practices.

Regarding AI utilisation, the draft report says a major strategic emphasis is required within key sectors such as education, health, agriculture, and public institutions to facilitate the widespread adoption of digital and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.

For instance, employing satellite sensing technology can enable effective crop early-warning systems to improve agricultural practices, while distance education can ensure that learning continues uninterrupted regardless of geographical barriers.

"By integrating these advanced technologies, we can enhance quality, efficiency and access across multiple sectors, ultimately improving outcomes for the entire population," said the report.

Moreover, the report says utilising digital and AI technologies effectively would help bridge the existing digital divide.

This involves reducing data costs, increasing access to affordable smartphones -- implemented with appropriate safeguards for age-specific content -- and fostering the growth of a robust domestic software and hardware ICT industry.

"By promoting widespread digital access, we can empower citizens, enhance digital literacy, and stimulate innovation within the ICT sector," the report mentions.

The task force also recommended introducing an automatic traffic signalling system for streamlining the urban transport system.

Such a system is a fundamental requirement for any major city worldwide; yet attempts to implement the system in Dhaka have faced challenges, often collapsing due to resistance from vested interests, it said.

This initiative should be regarded as a "low-hanging fruit" because it is both actionable and capable of yielding immediate benefits.

Besides, it said the current model of public transport in Dhaka, characterised by multiple ownership of bus services, has led to significant confusion and chaos on the roads, directly impacting public safety and convenience.

A transition to a single-owner bus service franchise that unites all the fragmented owners into one provider has been recommended as a solution to end urban bus transport chaos.

This should be marked by a move to put drivers on a fixed salary rather than on a commission.

Key focus areas of the report include pilot projects to demonstrate reform potential, initiatives in infrastructure, education, health, and governance, leveraging digital technology, and fostering youth engagement.

It critiques past governance and economic mismanagement while proposing a human-centered development strategy.

The draft report has suggested for public hospital reform in Dhaka with real-time monitoring and user feedback, rural school and clinic reform tailored to address rural challenges, and revitalisation of the Buriganga river as a symbolic and urgent environmental project.

Besides, for institutional reforms, it said creation of new bodies like the Regulatory Reform Commission, and Centre for Global Excellence in STEM education.

Moreover, it recommended for strategic overhaul of Bangladesh Biman, including potential renaming as "Bangladesh Airways" as well as restructuring or replacement.​

 

[Saif]

Tapping into AI potentials to ensure better educational outcomes

While it stands true that AI has revolutionized education, we also need to look into the challenges that it presents to students’ well-being.

en.prothomalo.com

Tapping into AI potentials to ensure better educational outcomes
Dhiraj S Dabi
Published: 24 Jan 2025, 15: 51

It goes without saying that AI is a double-edged sword, having its share of both positive and negative impacts. Just like any other technological innovation, AI, on the one hand, can be so disruptive that it could bring about instrumental changes in all spheres of life; on the other hand, it could also lead to devastating impacts on human lives. Especially, as far education sector is concerned, whether to integrate AI or not seems to be the big question. Realizing its significance, the theme for the International Day of Education 2025 has been decided as ‘AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in the World of Automation’.

It is important to remember that although AI is already a powerful tool in the world, its potential capabilities are even greater, meaning it could shape education and change the way teachers around the world impart knowledge. However, society has an obligation to stop and see if we are indeed leveraging AI correctly.

There is little doubt that AI can be a great asset in the classroom. It makes education easier and helps especially those with special needs with a much more personalized experience. Because of the advancements in AI, educators can ensure nobody is left behind, and learners have more equitable access to education. Additionally, with the help of AI for administrative tasks, teachers are able to spend more time doing what they love most, which is guiding students and, engaging with them in deeper conversations. In a country like Bangladesh where access to quality education can be limited in many places and with millions of students at school age, AI can be a great tool for bridging the gap.

While it stands true that AI has revolutionized education, we also need to look into the challenges that it presents to students’ well-being. Complete dependence on AI can be very harmful for students as it can ruin their creativity. While it must be easy and time-saving to use AI for every small question we have, we cannot forget that the real beauty of being a human lies in our ability to critically think and express ourselves.

Social isolation is another issue that arises with the use of AI. There was a time when students felt the need to spend hours with their teachers, friends and peers for learning and discussions. However, with the increased use of AI, students are now more and more reliant on ChatGPT for answering all their questions. This lack of interpersonal communication can lead to social isolation, lack of emotional and social intelligence in students – which are all very important aspects of education as well.

Students are busy with robotic prototypes Courtesy

Now more than ever, student wellbeing is paramount, and with technology like Artificial Intelligence taking such great leaps, it could turn into a concern any time soon. Children must receive an education that enables them to be self-reflective and emotional as well as creative thinkers. This means AI must be adopted in a deliberate way and with a comprehensive strategy.

Everyone from parents to educators and other concerned parties must come up with an effective plan to integrate technology into the classroom while also addressing the problems that are bound to come with the use of AI. Primary and secondary schools and universities are now changing their curriculum to incorporate more project-based methods of teaching, which are enhanced with the use of technology but without compromising the creative and emotional skills children possess. Students must also learn about the ethical side and the restraints that AI has. But most importantly, the AI tools that educational institutions will utilize must offer the students a guaranteed improvement in their mental health, physical health, inclusivity, and moral standards.

Many schools around the world nowadays are already rejecting the archaic methods of teaching and focusing on more modern ways. Of late, many countries including China, Korea, India and the United Arab Emirates, have taken steps to integrate elements of AI into the curriculum. Some countries like Singapore are also setting up research centres in collaboration with higher education institutions to enhance quality. Even in Bangladesh, many schools are trying to adopt AI for better learning outcomes. For example, AI has become a part of everyone’s life at Glenrich International School as they have been slowly trying to teach their students how to use AI in the right way effectively. More educational institutions need to focus on developing digital and AI literacy.

On this International Day of Education, let’s focus on the challenges of incorporating AI into the education system. Let’s ponder how educators can leverage the power of AI to make sure that learners blush and bloom in the highly competitive world.

Dhiraj S Dabi is Head of Department - AI and Robotics, Glenrich International School Satarkul, Dhaka​

 

[Saif]

What is the hype around DeepSeek?

In the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence (AI), a new player has emerged, shaking up the industry and unsettling the balance of power in global tech. DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup, is generating considerable buzz for its cost-effective innovation and potential to rival leading...

www.thedailystar.net

What is the hype around DeepSeek?

DeepSeek - AI Assistant in Google Play Store. Image: Tech & Startup Desk.

In the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence (AI), a new player has emerged, shaking up the industry and unsettling the balance of power in global tech. DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup, is generating considerable buzz for its cost-effective innovation and potential to rival leading Western companies like OpenAI and Anthropic. However, its rise is not without controversy, raising questions about the ethics and economic repercussions of its approach.

What is DeepSeek?

Founded in 2023, DeepSeek is a startup from Hangzhou founded by an engineering graduate Liang Wenfeng. After the launch of OpenAI's ChatGPT, many Chinese firms tried to create their own AI powered chatbots but ultimately failed to meet user expectations. However, the appreciation around DeepSeek is different. The company recently received wide recognition in the US tech industry for creating an advanced AI model with the 'DeepSeek - AI assistant' app reaching the top charts in US Apple app store and Google Play store.

DeepSeek has positioned itself as a formidable competitor in the AI race, particularly with the recent launch of its R1 and V3 models. According to a recent report by The Verge, the company claims to have developed its open source V3 LLM model with a budget of less than $6 million and just 2,000 Nvidia chips—a fraction of the resources utilised by western counterparts like OpenAI which reportedly used over 16,000 chips. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman claimed that the development for GPT-4 cost over $100 million.

According to a post on DeepSeek's official WeChat account, with the launch of its R1 model, DeepSeek is 20 to 50 times cheaper to use than OpenAI o1 model, depending on the task.

A threat to western dominance

DeepSeek's rapid progress has sparked alarm among Western tech giants and investors alike. Its ability to achieve results with limited resources challenges the prevailing notion that success in AI development is solely a function of capital and computational power. This has prompted a reevaluation of investment strategies across the industry, with other tech giants scrambling to adjust.

Nvidia, the chip manufacturer, had its shares plunging by more than 13 percent. Moreover, Dutch chipmaker ASML also fell more than 10 percent, AI investor SoftBank fell more than 8%, while Tokyo Electron slipped 4.9% according to a recent report by Business Insider.

The pan-European Stoxx 600 declined on 27 January, with technology stocks experiencing a sharp drop of 4.5%. Notably, Germany's Siemens Energy—an AI infrastructure hardware provider—plunged nearly 20%, and France's digital automation firm Schneider Electric saw a 9% decrease. These losses mirrored declines in Asian markets, where Japanese chipmakers Disco and Advantest, a supplier to Nvidia, fell by 1.8% and 8.6%, respectively. Meanwhile, in the US, Nasdaq 100 futures dropped 2.6%, and S&P 500 futures slid 1.4% according to a recent report by The Guardian.

While the technology behind DeepSeek's models is being celebrated, its success has geopolitical implications. It represents not only a technological shift but also a broader challenge to western dominance in AI research and development. The prospect of China gaining a significant foothold in this domain has further fuelled tensions in the ongoing tech rivalry between the US and China.

In a recent update, DeepSeek announced on 27 January that it would temporarily restrict new registrations due to "large-scale malicious attacks" on its software.

DeepSeek's rise also coincides with the US imposing restrictions on the sale of advanced chip technology essential for powering AI to China. To keep progressing without a steady flow of imported chips, Chinese AI developers have been sharing their research and testing alternative approaches. This collaboration has led to the creation of AI models that consume significantly less computing power. As a result, these models are now far more affordable than previously anticipated, potentially disrupting the entire industry.

The rise of DeepSeek marks a pivotal moment in the AI industry. Its disruptive approach has already reshaped the narrative around AI development, proving that innovation is not solely the domain of well-funded tech behemoths. As the company continues to expand, the world will be watching closely to see how it navigates the complex intersection of technology, ethics, and geopolitics.​

 

[Saif]

DeepSeek hit by outages as users flock to Chinese AI startup

The company resolved issues relating to its application programming interface and users' inability to log in to the website, according to its status page

www.thedailystar.net

DeepSeek hit by outages as users flock to Chinese AI startup

Chinese startup DeepSeek was on Monday hit by outages on its website after its AI assistant became the top-rated free application available on Apple's App Store in the United States.

The company resolved issues relating to its application programming interface and users' inability to log in to the website, according to its status page. The outages on Monday were the company's longest in around 90 days and coincides with its sky-rocketing popularity.

Powered by the DeepSeek-V3 model, which its creators say "tops the leaderboard among open-source models and rivals the most advanced closed-source models globally", the artificial intelligence application has surged in popularity among US users since it was released on Jan. 10, according to app data research firm Sensor Tower.

The milestone highlights how DeepSeek has left a deep impression on Silicon Valley, upending widely held views about US primacy in AI and the effectiveness of Washington's export controls targeting China's advanced chip and AI capabilities.

AI models from ChatGPT to DeepSeek require advanced chips to power their training. The Biden administration has since 2021 widened the scope of bans designed to stop these chips from being exported to China and used to train Chinese firms' AI models.

However, DeepSeek researchers wrote in a paper last month that the DeepSeek-V3 used Nvidia's H800 chips for training, spending less than $6 million.

Although this detail has since been disputed, the claim that the chips used were less powerful than the most advanced Nvidia products Washington has sought to keep out of China, as well as the relatively cheap training costs, has prompted US tech executives to question the effectiveness of tech export controls.

What we strive to do is to show to the world that flying V is a viable alternative to the Cuban wing airplane that we're flying with now and it can be as safe but much more energy efficient.

Little is known about the company behind DeepSeek, a small Hangzhou-based startup founded in 2023, when search engine giant Baidu released the first Chinese AI large-language model.

Since then, dozens of Chinese tech companies large and small have released their own AI models, but DeepSeek is the first to be praised by the US tech industry as matching or even surpassing the performance of cutting-edge US models.​

 

[Saif]

Utilising AI in Bangladesh’s RMG sector

Artificial intelligence (AI) offers immense potential to transform Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) sector

www.thedailystar.net

Utilising AI in Bangladesh’s RMG sector

Artificial intelligence (AI) offers immense potential to transform Bangladesh's ready-made garment (RMG) sector, enabling enhanced productivity, improved quality, and sustainable practices, while simultaneously addressing inefficiencies, streamlining processes, and increasing competitiveness. AI-powered systems can revolutionise the production process by enabling real-time monitoring and optimising factory operations. Machines equipped with AI can predict potential failures in equipment, cutting costly downtime and ensuring uninterrupted production. Additionally, AI-driven robotics can assist in repetitive tasks such as fabric-cutting, stitching, and packaging, reducing the time and cost associated with human labour. Human errors will also be minimised leading to the overall improvement of product quality.

Besides, AI technologies, such as image recognition systems, can inspect RMG products with precision, detecting flaws in stitching, colour or patterns. By ensuring that only high quality products reach international buyers, these systems can help safeguard Bangladesh's reputation as a reliable supplier. This technological edge can play a pivotal role in retaining the existing customer base and attracting new ones in an increasingly quality-conscious market.

AI-powered analytics can also provide real-time insights into supply chain dynamics, allowing manufacturers to predict disruptions and make data-driven decisions. For instance, if a delay in raw material shipments is anticipated, AI tools can recommend alternative suppliers, ensuring that production schedules remain intact. By forecasting demand more accurately, manufacturers can also avoid overproduction and manage inventory efficiently, reducing waste and aligning with just-in-time manufacturing principles.

Furthermore, AI can contribute to sustainable practices by optimising resource usage, such as calculating fabric layouts to minimise waste or monitoring energy and water consumption in factories. These measures will reduce environmental impact and also appeal to global buyers, who are increasingly seeking eco-friendly products.

In addition to streamlining operations, AI has the potential to transform customer engagement. By analysing consumer behaviour, AI tools can identify trends and preferences, enabling manufacturers to design products tailored to market demands. AI-powered online platforms can enhance the shopping experience, offering personalised recommendations and improving customer satisfaction. These innovations can help Bangladeshi manufacturers establish stronger connections with international buyers and boost sales.

Worker safety and productivity are other areas where AI could bring about meaningful change. AI-driven sensors can monitor factory conditions, detecting hazards such as gas leaks or structural vulnerabilities and ensuring swift action to prevent accidents. Wearable AI devices can track worker health and performance, providing data to improve workplace safety and efficiency, as well as protecting workers and creating a more productive and motivated workforce.

Using AI technologies, manufacturers can make Bangladeshi garment products more competitive in global markets and attract foreign investment, as international brands increasingly prioritise partnerships with technologically advanced suppliers. However, the road to AI integration is not without challenges. One of the most significant concerns is the potential for job displacement, particularly among low-skilled workers who form the backbone of the industry. Automation of repetitive tasks could lead to reduced demand for manual labour, raising fears about unemployment in a sector that provides livelihoods to millions. Addressing this issue requires a proactive approach, including the implementation of reskilling programmes to prepare workers for technology-driven roles. By equipping the workforce with new skills, the industry can create opportunities for employment in areas such as data analysis, programming, and machine maintenance.

Another challenge is the high cost of adopting AI technologies, which includes expenses for equipment, software, and training. For smaller manufacturers, these upfront investments may seem prohibitive. Government support in the form of subsidies, tax breaks, and low-interest loans could play a crucial role in making AI adoption more accessible. Policymakers must also establish a regulatory framework to encourage research and development in AI applications tailored to the needs of the RMG sector. However, while using AI technologies, manufacturers must ensure that robust safeguards are in place to protect sensitive information, both within their operations and in customer interactions. Building trust in the technology is essential for its widespread adoption.

Resistance to change is another hurdle that must be overcome. Many stakeholders in the RMG sector may be unfamiliar with AI or sceptical of its benefits. Demonstrating the tangible advantages of AI through pilot projects and success stories can help build confidence and encourage broader adoption.

The path forward requires a collaborative effort between the government, industry stakeholders, and technology providers. Policymakers must create an enabling environment through supportive policies and incentives, while manufacturers need to invest in upskilling their workforce and exploring partnerships with technology firms. A phased approach to AI integration, starting with pilot projects and gradual scale-up, can help mitigate risks and ensure a smooth transition.

Mostafiz Uddin is the managing director of Denim Expert Limited. He is also the founder and CEO of Bangladesh Denim Expo and Bangladesh Apparel Exchange (BAE).​

 

[Saif]

AI strategy for Bangladesh

ARGUABLY, all socio-economic development has been driven by Intellectual Property and Operating System. When IP touches masses it morphs into OS in a transformative way — OS changes and touches lives on a global scale. OS opens the door for many new IP and fosters innovations and creativity for...

www.newagebd.net

AI strategy for Bangladesh
Shah Yunus and Habib Siddiqui 28 January, 2025, 00:00

ARGUABLY, all socio-economic development has been driven by Intellectual Property and Operating System. When IP touches masses it morphs into OS in a transformative way — OS changes and touches lives on a global scale. OS opens the door for many new IP and fosters innovations and creativity for the masses, improving quality of life and creating assets.

The earliest of IP and related OS emerged from ‘stone tools,’ ‘creating and managing fire,’ ‘creation of language,’ ‘mastering various metals,’ ‘organised agriculture,’ ‘domesticated animals,’ and the lists continue. These early IPs and transcendental OS shaped early humanity and created the foundation of the modern world. Those early human successes helped bring about the key world-changing transcendental IP and OS as Industry 1.0 (steam engine), Industry 2.0 (electricity), Industry 3.0 (transistor, microelectronics), Industry 4.0 (digital/network), and now Industry 5.0 (AI/cognitive).

Each of those revolutions began with proprietary innovations that spread through standardisation and became essential infrastructure, transforming into societal OSs and creating winners and losers, highlighting the technological and economic inequalities resulting in a multi-tier world.

Now the idea about the emergence of AI (artificial intelligence) dominating the world is to leverage it fully to bridge the gaps between the negative pathologies of the present-day multi-tier world. Here are some of the key benefits that we must master and leverage wholeheartedly to gain a leading seat in the future world:

Benefits of AI in Bangladesh

AS PART of task automation, AI can automate routine tasks, reducing the need for human intervention and increasing efficiency. AI algorithms can optimise business processes, supply chains, and logistics, saving time and resources.

AI can process and analyse large volumes of data quickly, providing insights that would be impossible for humans to discern manually. AI supports better decision-making by providing accurate predictions and data-driven recommendations.

AI can assist in diagnosing diseases more accurately and rapidly than traditional methods. AI enables the development of personalised treatment plans based on individual patient data.

AI can increase productivity in various industries, leading to economic growth. While AI may automate some jobs, it also creates new job opportunities in tech and other sectors.

AI can personalise user experiences in services such as e-commerce, entertainment, and education. AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants provide 24/7 customer service, improving customer satisfaction.

AI can enhance security through advanced surveillance systems capable of detecting anomalies. AI algorithms can detect and respond to cyber threats more efficiently than traditional methods.

AI can accelerate research in fields like pharmaceuticals, material science, and environmental science. AI fosters innovation by enabling the rapid prototyping and testing of new ideas. AI can tailor educational content to individual learning styles and pace, improving outcomes. AI-powered tools can help people develop new skills and adapt to changing job markets.

AI can optimise the use of natural resources and reduce waste. AI can model and predict climate change impacts, aiding in mitigation and adaptation strategies.

AI provides assistive technologies for people with disabilities, enhancing their independence and quality of life. AI-powered translation services break down language barriers, facilitating global communication.

AI is key to developing self-driving cars, which could reduce accidents and improve traffic flow. AI enables the creation of smart cities with efficient public transportation, energy use, and waste management.

AI can generate music, art, and literature, offering new forms of creative expression. AI curates personalised content for users based on their preferences and habits.

AI helps in precision agriculture, optimising crop yields and reducing environmental impact. AI improves the food supply chain, from production to distribution, enhancing food security.

AI powers social media algorithms that connect people with similar interests across the globe. AI enhances online shopping experiences with recommendation systems and predictive search.

In summary, Industry 5.0 and associated AI have the potential to bring about significant improvements in every aspect of our lives, and we must devote every resource to make it our own winning strategy.

Bangladesh has largely missed the benefits of the first four industrial revolutions, and we must not miss the Industry 5.0 boat.

Need for an AI institute

A DEDICATED Bangladesh AI Institute to spearhead the development and application of AI technologies across various sectors is a must. The government must ensure that every action and decision in Bangladesh is informed and improved by data and intelligence. Scope to apply AI and data-driven approaches across all sectors, including private and public, for-profit and non-profit, healthcare, finance, administration, education, infrastructure, and more, should be created. The government should consider investing in education to develop AI literacy and skills among the population, starting from early education through to higher learning and professional development. A robust digital infrastructure to support AI technologies, including mobile networks, data centres, and cloud services, should also be considered. To utilise AI in healthcare for better diagnostics, telemedicine, and predictive analytics to improve health outcomes, the health sector stakeholders must revisit existing policies. It is important to foster an AI startup ecosystem and support AI applications in agriculture, manufacturing, and other economic sectors to drive growth. For environmental management, deploying AI could help facilitate efficient resource management, environmental monitoring, and energy optimisation. The government should explore developing AI-driven defence capabilities and cybersecurity measures to protect national interests and infrastructure.

These prescriptions are aimed at enabling Bangladesh to catch up with and potentially lead in the global transition to Industry 5.0, leveraging AI and cognitive technologies to drive development and reduce the technological gap with more advanced economies.

Dr Shah Yunus has been a software architect and computational science expert for over 40 years; and Dr Habib Siddiqui is a peace and human rights activist who lives in the United States.​

 

[Saif]

What is DeepSeek, and why is Nvidia losing billions because of it?

In the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence (AI), a new player has emerged, shaking up the industry and unsettling the balance of power in global tech. DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup, is generating considerable buzz for its cost-effective innovation and potential to rival leading...

www.thedailystar.net

What is DeepSeek, and why is Nvidia losing billions because of it?

DeepSeek - AI Assistant in Google Play Store. Image: Md. Zahidur Rabbi.

In the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence (AI), a new player has emerged, shaking up the industry and unsettling the balance of power in global tech. DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup, is generating considerable buzz for its cost-effective innovation and potential to rival leading Western companies like OpenAI and Anthropic. It has also been the leading cause behind Nvidia's monumental market cap plunge on January 27 - with the leading AI chip company losing 17% of its market share, equating to $589 billion in market cap drop, making it the largest single-day loss in US stock market history.

However, despite being an overnight success, DeepSeek's rise is not without controversy, raising questions about the ethics and economic repercussions of its approach. Let's take a look at what this Chinese AI startup is and what the hype around it is all about.

What is DeepSeek?

Founded in 2023, DeepSeek is a startup from Hangzhou founded by an engineering graduate Liang Wenfeng. After the launch of OpenAI's ChatGPT, many Chinese firms tried to create their own AI powered chatbots but ultimately failed to meet user expectations. However, the appreciation around DeepSeek is different. The company recently received wide recognition in the US tech industry for creating an advanced AI model with the 'DeepSeek - AI assistant' app reaching the top charts in US Apple app store and Google Play store.

DeepSeek has positioned itself as a formidable competitor in the AI race, particularly with the recent launch of its R1 and V3 models. According to a recent report by The Verge, the company claims to have developed its open source V3 LLM model with a budget of less than $6 million and just 2,000 Nvidia chips—a fraction of the resources utilised by western counterparts like OpenAI which reportedly used over 16,000 chips. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman claimed that the development for GPT-4 cost over $100 million.

According to a post on DeepSeek's official WeChat account, with the launch of its R1 model, DeepSeek is 20 to 50 times cheaper to use than OpenAI o1 model, depending on the task.

A threat to western dominance

DeepSeek's rapid progress has sparked alarm among Western tech giants and investors alike. Its ability to achieve results with limited resources challenges the prevailing notion that success in AI development is solely a function of capital and computational power. This has prompted a reevaluation of investment strategies across the industry, with other tech giants scrambling to adjust.

Nvidia, the chip manufacturer, had its shares plunging by more than 13 percent. Moreover, Dutch chipmaker ASML also fell more than 10 percent, AI investor SoftBank fell more than 8%, while Tokyo Electron slipped 4.9% according to a recent report by Business Insider.

The pan-European Stoxx 600 declined on 27 January, with technology stocks experiencing a sharp drop of 4.5%. Notably, Germany's Siemens Energy—an AI infrastructure hardware provider—plunged nearly 20%, and France's digital automation firm Schneider Electric saw a 9% decrease. These losses mirrored declines in Asian markets, where Japanese chipmakers Disco and Advantest, a supplier to Nvidia, fell by 1.8% and 8.6%, respectively. Meanwhile, in the US, Nasdaq 100 futures dropped 2.6%, and S&P 500 futures slid 1.4% according to a recent report by The Guardian.

While the technology behind DeepSeek's models is being celebrated, its success has geopolitical implications. It represents not only a technological shift but also a broader challenge to western dominance in AI research and development. The prospect of China gaining a significant foothold in this domain has further fuelled tensions in the ongoing tech rivalry between the US and China.

In a recent update, DeepSeek announced on 27 January that it would temporarily restrict new registrations due to "large-scale malicious attacks" on its software.

DeepSeek's rise also coincides with the US imposing restrictions on the sale of advanced chip technology essential for powering AI to China. To keep progressing without a steady flow of imported chips, Chinese AI developers have been sharing their research and testing alternative approaches. This collaboration has led to the creation of AI models that consume significantly less computing power. As a result, these models are now far more affordable than previously anticipated, potentially disrupting the entire industry.

The rise of DeepSeek marks a pivotal moment in the AI industry. Its disruptive approach has already reshaped the narrative around AI development, proving that innovation is not solely the domain of well-funded tech behemoths. As the company continues to expand, the world will be watching closely to see how it navigates the complex intersection of technology, ethics, and geopolitics.​

 

[Saif]

The DeepSeek Shockwave: Is the global AI capital steadily shifting to China?

Beijing’s mastery of AI-powered robotics, machine learning, and deep learning technologies have been demonstrated through several successful missions.

www.thedailystar.net

The DeepSeek Shockwave: Is the global AI capital steadily shifting to China?
Battle for AI supremacy heats up

DeepSeek's stunning cost efficiency starkly contrasts the exorbitant expenditures typically associated with US tech giants. FILE PHOTO: REUTERS

In one of the most dramatic shifts in the tech industry, the recent release of DeepSeek's R1, an open-source artificial intelligence (AI) reasoning model, sent shockwaves through the US tech giants, wiping more than $1 trillion off the markets. Stalwarts like Nvidia witnessed stock drops by as much as $500 billion (17 percent). The DeepSeek model, originating from a small Hangzhou-based startup, was developed at a fraction of the cost incurred by its US counterparts like OpenAI. This event signifies China's growing prowess in AI, challenging Western tech giants' long-standing dominance.

Despite stringent US export restrictions on advanced technologies, Chinese inventors showed tenacity and resilience in the burgeoning AI landscape. Companies like Huawei and YMTC underscore China's progress towards creating faster and more efficient chips. This steady climb emphasises how they circumvent Washington's restrictions by fostering high domestic productivity and innovation. The critical question is: are US export restrictions futile, merely strengthening Beijing's resolve to upend US tech dominance, similar to the development of its global satellite navigation system BeiDou?

DeepSeek's stunning cost efficiency starkly contrasts the exorbitant expenditures typically associated with US tech giants. This comes as welcome news when the conventional AI models are so power-hungry and require so much water to keep them cool that their sustainability is a concern, questioning the high-cost models and their long-term viability in a marketplace increasingly influenced by cost-efficient solutions. China's strategic focus on AI and related technologies has also made significant progress across various domains, from natural language processing to autonomous vehicles.

As the efficacy of the export controls is being questioned, evidence suggests mixed results. On the one hand, DeepSeek's accomplishment demonstrates that stringent measures do not entirely curtail innovation and may instead stimulate more. Conversely, the United States's steadfast imposition of export controls underscores the intimate relationship between national security and technological supremacy. The efficacy of these measures is further complicated by the global nature of talent migration, which sees leading experts from the West moving to China.

China's allure isn't limited to technological advancements but extends to attracting top-tier talent from all over. For instance, leading cancer scientist Sun Shao-Cong returned to China amid US investigations, while French Nobel-winning laser scientist Gérard Mourou joined China's top university. Additionally, respected mathematician Kenji Fukaya left the US for China's Tsinghua University, and award-winning mathematician Ma Xiaonan departed Europe for China. Other notable examples include prominent British physicist Prof Zhang Yonghao, who joined China's national hypersonic laboratory in Beijing, and global climate expert Chen Deliang, who returned to China after decades in Europe. Award-winning mathematician Wang Xujia also returned to China after a long career in Australia. These moves highlight a significant trend: China's growing attractiveness as a cutting-edge research and innovation hub.

The journey to build advanced semiconductor chips without ASML's state-of-the-art extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines exemplifies China's inventive spirit. Chinese scientists are pioneering alternative methods that bypass these restrictions. One breakthrough involves the laser-induced discharge plasma (LDP) method, a process that generates EUV light using laser vaporisation of tin and high-voltage discharge. This innovation, spearheaded by Prof Zhao Yongpeng at the Harbin Institute of Technology, is cost-effective and energy-efficient. The strategic collaborations with institutions like the Shanghai Institute of Optics and Tsinghua University further enhance these efforts.

Additionally, Chinese companies are leveraging deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography machines to make sophisticated chips. Techniques such as self-aligned quadruple patterning (SAQP) allow for the etching of lines on silicon wafers multiple times, increasing transistor density and chip performance. This approach underscores Chinese innovation and highlights the country's determination to overcome import dependencies and US-imposed restrictions.

China's recent successful space missions, such as the Chang'e 5 lunar sample return and the Tianwen-1 Mars mission, undeniably showcase the country's burgeoning capabilities in advanced chip production and other related technologies. These complex endeavours require sophisticated autonomous navigation and control systems, advanced image recognition for terrain mapping and object identification, and real-time data analysis to adapt to unforeseen circumstances. The successful execution of these missions demonstrates Beijing's mastery of AI-powered robotics, machine learning, and deep learning technologies, solidifying its position as a leading force in the global AI landscape.

So, the question is: are we witnessing a steady shift of the global AI capital to China?

Washington would hate to see that happen, as President Donald Trump has allocated $500 billion to AI research and development to ensure continued US dominance in the AI arena. This only follows his predecessor's tactics without giving it strategic thought. The Biden administration had made the race for chip manufacturing a top priority by offering $53 billion to the industry. Four years later, his Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said, "Trying to hold China back is a fool's errand." That gamble failed. Will President Trump's work?

Dr Sayeed Ahmed is a consulting engineer and the CEO of Bayside Analytix, a technology-focused strategy and management consulting organisation.​

 

[Saif]

Will AI push us towards isolation and lost creativity?

By the way, this writing is solely mine. I didn’t seek any assistance from AI. Do you write in your own words?

www.thedailystar.net

Will AI push us towards isolation and lost creativity?

These days the lines between the humans and the machines are fast blurring, thanks to AI. VISUAL: REHNUMA PROSHOON

Last year, a mother from Florida filed a lawsuit against an artificial intelligence chatbot, which she believed was responsible for the death of her 14-year-old son. The teenager fell head over heels in love with the chatbot. As he spent more time chatting, he slowly started withdrawing from his family and the social life around him. Low self-esteem triggered by isolation and the inability to fit in one day led him to tell the chatbot of his desire to commit suicide. And? The chatbot sort of tacitly encouraged him to do so. It immaculately emulated human emotions. But it couldn't stop him from harming himself. A costly logical error?

These days the lines between the humans and the machines are fast blurring, thanks to AI. Machines are learning, and we are relentlessly teaching. There are college courses now on how to help them learn even better. As the world gets more complex every day and time becomes more valuable, personal relationships are taking a major hit. Machines are becoming more than friends. Is the race on to make humans more like machines, or to make machines replace us? Machines can do so much in such a short time that we can be rendered almost useless in a jiffy. There are even talks about a universal pay system because many of us may not get much paid work opportunity in the future.

AI now has the ability to judge us in many instances. In a recent incident, one of my son's teachers pointed out that his assignment had been flagged by AI as being eerily similar to a newspaper article. It turned out the article in question had actually been written by none other than him. The teacher had just trusted the AI in jumping to a conclusion. The teacher realised what happened, smiled, and let him go.

I get it. With the advent of AI, life is becoming much easier for us. When I try to shop online, a chatbot seems to know more about what I want than I do myself. It rapidly whisks me to the possible product I may be after. That saves me a ton of time. This is so great that it makes going to a brick-and-mortar store so passé. When I call customer service about issues with a product, a chatbot, lurking in between, intercepts me and tries to provide a solution before I can get to a live person. Getting to a live person on the other side when the issue needs human intervention is often harder nowadays. On other occasions, AI can help just fine.

If I am time-constrained in today's busy world, AI not only makes my life easier but does almost all the things a human can; then how much human interaction do I really need?

Just a few days ago, an elderly lady thought she was getting into a taxi with a driver in it, only to realise, to her dismay, that the car was actually driving itself. It surely scared the living daylights out of her. Forget the driving part. The human interaction that could have given her comfort and a sense of companionship seems to be disappearing soon.

AI, a boon to humanity, is the future, and it is going to solve numerous problems in the years to come. But on the flip side, there are inherent risks because of the high likelihood of not being able to teach the models adequately. After all, it's not easy to fully mimic humans under all circumstances. A human would have tried to talk the American teenager out of dying by suicide. But the AI chatbot failed. On top of that, there is always the risk of rogue actors using it for ulterior motives.

Then there is the issue of imagination, the area where we can uniquely identify ourselves. AI is supposed to do many amazing things, but it seems to be taking this power away from humans. AI can now write very creatively using unbounded human imagination. So much so that many people would rather express themselves through AI. As AI evolves, its emotion spectrum will likely broaden to closely resemble that of humans. One day the machines may become smart enough to modify their own code, extricating themselves fully from human control. That scenario may pit us against them.

Don't get me wrong. I am all for the innovations and advancements in AI. In many areas, it will cut down time significantly, resulting in higher productivity. I know I will adopt many new exciting AI offerings. But I dread the increasing irrelevance of the human mind and intellect. AI is doing a great job making our lives easier, sometimes even loads of fun, enhancing possibilities, but it is also slowly taking over some of the tasks that we love to do every day, not just to stay relevant, but also to express ourselves in our own way. I love to write an email myself or describe my feelings in my own words. When I see a writing by AI, I have a hard time understanding the person it came from. Are we shunning human interactions more and more? Are we losing our capacity to make decisions for ourselves? Are we married to AI to a point where our creativity and judgment are rendered worthless, and where we no longer crave in-person interactions?

AI chatbots are also being positioned to provide therapy for mental anguish or depression. But what if they offer a dangerous path, the one I mentioned above? Would that instance be considered an isolated logical malfunction?

I am not hopelessly pessimistic, though. I marvel at human abilities. It is my belief that technology can never be boxed in. It's like the "genie out of the bottle" phenomenon. If there is a new one, it will certainly come out. AI will evolve and will be pervasive. That is a good thing when used by the good, but it can be devastating when used by the bad. There should be guardrails around it, and we should be careful with the amount of personal data we are ready to sacrifice that can be fed to the AI models. Although it excites me, I remain concerned about our future as human beings. While I embrace the new developments in generative AI to make my life easier, I want to retain my ability to express my thoughts in ways that only I know how to. I want to be relevant going forward.

By the way, this writing is solely mine. I didn't seek any assistance from AI. Do you write in your own words?

Arif Shahjahan is an IT (Information Technology) professional currently working in the United States.​

 

[Saif]

Unleashing AI for enhancing global competitiveness

In today's rapidly evolving global landscape, competitiveness is defined by the capacity to innovate, adapt, and effectively leverage technology. At the forefront of this technological revolution is artificial intelligence (AI), which holds the potential to transform industries, boost productivity,

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Unleashing AI for enhancing global competitiveness
Manmohan Parkash
Published :
Jan 20, 2025 21:31
Updated :
Jan 20, 2025 21:31

In today's rapidly evolving global landscape, competitiveness is defined by the capacity to innovate, adapt, and effectively leverage technology. At the forefront of this technological revolution is artificial intelligence (AI), which holds the potential to transform industries, boost productivity, and reshape decision-making processes. To secure economic dominance on the global stage, nations must act swiftly to harness AI's capabilities responsibly and strategically.

AI AS A CATALYST FOR INNOVATION: Innovation is a key pillar of global competitiveness, and AI is set to redefine how industries approach research, development, and design. By analyzing vast datasets in real-time, AI can uncover patterns and insights that humans alone could never identify. This capability accelerates the pace of innovation across critical sectors like pharmaceuticals, engineering, and energy. AI-powered systems can simulate chemical reactions to identify new materials or analyze genetic data to expedite drug discovery, reducing time to market for life-saving solutions.

Countries investing in AI-driven innovation will bolster their technological sectors and will also create new industries, high-quality jobs, and solutions to pressing global challenges such as climate change and pandemics. In contrast, nations that fall behind in AI adoption risk losing their competitive edge as others surge ahead, capitalizing on these advancements to dominate the global market.

BOOSTING WORKFORCE PRODUCTIVITY: At the core of any nation's competitiveness is the productivity of its workforce. AI offers transformative potential in enhancing human capabilities. By automating routine tasks and optimizing workflows, AI frees up workers to focus on higher-value, more creative endeavors. In sectors like manufacturing, AI-driven systems can streamline production, minimize waste, and predict maintenance needs, boosting operational efficiency. In services, AI-powered tools such as chatbots and virtual assistants can handle customer inquiries and routine transactions, empowering human workers to tackle more complex and rewarding tasks.

Importantly, AI does not simply replace jobs-it enhances them. Workers can collaborate with AI to address critical issues, solve complex problems, and drive innovation. To maintain a competitive edge, countries must invest in AI workforce tools and training programs that enable employees to thrive in an AI-enhanced environment. Countries and businesses that fail to do so risk being left behind by competitors who are better prepared to integrate AI into their workforce strategies.

DATA-DRIVEN DECISION MAKING FOR EFFECTIVE GOVERNANCE: In the modern world, the ability to make well-informed, data-driven decisions is essential for effective governance. AI provides powerful tools for analyzing complex, multi-dimensional data sets, offering actionable insights that can guide policymaking. From economic planning to public health, AI can help governments predict trends, optimize resource allocation, and assess the impact of public programs.

Countries that adopt AI in policymaking will gain an unparalleled agility in responding to emerging challenges, whether economic, political, or environmental. AI's ability to process vast amounts of data quickly ensures that nations can make timely, strategic decisions that enhance governance and improve outcomes for their citizens. In a highly interconnected world, those that embrace AI-driven decision-making will gain an edge in international negotiations and trade agreements, enhancing their global competitiveness.

STRENGTHENING GLOBAL TRADE AND SUPPLY CHAINS: AI's impact extends to global trade and supply chains, where efficiency and resilience are critical. With increasing global interdependence, supply chains must be agile enough to respond to disruptions such as economic shifts or natural disasters. AI-driven technologies enable businesses to predict demand fluctuations, identify potential bottlenecks, and optimise logistics, ensuring smoother and more cost-effective operations.

By leveraging AI, countries and businesses can reduce inefficiencies, lower costs, and improve the speed and reliability of deliveries. In a competitive global market, those able to swiftly and efficiently meet consumer demands will gain a significant advantage. AI-powered supply chain management systems allow companies to be more adaptable, mitigate risks, and stay ahead of market changes, ensuring that they remain competitive in a rapidly changing world.

ENHANCING INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION AND DIPLOMACY: The benefits of AI are not confined to national borders. Through international collaboration in AI research and development, countries can tackle complex global challenges more effectively. Cross-border partnerships in AI allow nations to pool resources, share knowledge, and accelerate advancements in areas such as public health, climate change, and cybersecurity.

Furthermore, AI can play a critical role in diplomacy by facilitating communication between nations. AI-powered translation and communication tools help break down language barriers, enabling more effective diplomatic exchanges. Countries that strategically use AI for global collaboration and diplomatic engagement will be better positioned to lead in international affairs, fostering stronger relationships and cooperation on the world stage.

STRATEGIC INVESTMENT IN AI: To unlock AI's full potential and ensure global competitiveness, nations must make strategic investments in infrastructure, education, and policy. This includes funding AI research and development, establishing ethical regulations around AI usage, and preparing the workforce for an AI-driven economy. Public-private partnerships will be crucial in accelerating innovation and ensuring the benefits of AI are widely distributed.

The nations that lead in AI adoption will set the pace for future global competitiveness, shaping industries, economies, and societies for years to come. Countries that fail to prioritize AI risk being unable to compete in an increasingly AI-driven world.

In conclusion, AI is not merely a tool for automation-it is a fundamental driver of global competitiveness. By unleashing AI's potential, nations can position themselves as leaders in innovation, productivity, and global trade. The race to harness AI is already underway, and the countries that act decisively to integrate AI into their economies and societies will determine the future of global power and prosperity. The time to invest in AI is now-those who seize this opportunity will shape the world of tomorrow.

Manmohan Parkash is a former Senior Advisor, Office of the President, and Deputy Director General, South Asia, Asian Development Bank (ADB).​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh must seize AI opportunities amidst global rivalry

The rivalry between America and China regarding artificial intelligence (AI) is growing

www.thedailystar.net

Bangladesh must seize AI opportunities amidst global rivalry

PHOTO: REUTERS

The rivalry between America and China regarding artificial intelligence (AI) is growing, with both nations significantly investing in the technology. Historically, AI development has been dominated by America, but China is closing in at a rapid pace. One such example is the emergence of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup that has created AI models capable of competing with those from the Silicon Valley. DeepSeek also made their product accessible through an open-source model. This competition has profound implications for technology, economies, and politics worldwide.

Bangladesh—a developing economy, must strategically position itself in the AI race to fully harness its potential for technological transformation, economic growth, and innovation.

The competition between America and China

The US holds a dominant position in AI development, commercialisation, and research worldwide. Leading US-based tech companies—such as OpenAI, Google DeepMind, and Meta have pioneered AI development, creating models like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Llama. Recognising AI's strategic value, the US government has invested significantly in AI-driven national security and economic competition.

China got advanced AI through state-backed initiatives, focusing on industrialisation and national security applications. Tech giants like Tencent, Alibaba, and Baidu have built powerful AI models—such as ERNIE and Qwen 2.5 Max. DeepSeek challenges Silicon Valley's dominance with lower costs. As competition intensifies, countries like Bangladesh must navigate the evolving AI landscape.

Bangladesh's current AI landscape

In an effort to embrace AI, Bangladesh introduced the National Artificial Intelligence Policy 2024, which aims to guide AI development through research, education, and ethical implementation. While the policy lays a foundation for AI adoption, significant gaps remain in infrastructure, vision, and execution. The private sector and startups have shown interest in AI, but a lack of funding and computing resources remains a major hurdle.

AI is gradually being integrated into key sectors of Bangladesh's economy. In healthcare, AI-driven diagnostics and predictive analytics are being explored to improve patient outcomes. The agricultural sector is benefiting from AI-powered precision farming and pest control strategies. Financial institutions are leveraging AI for fraud detection and customer analytics, while the manufacturing industry is experimenting with automation, albeit at a relatively low scale. Despite these advancements, businesses are still having to rely on foreign AI models, which increases operational costs and limits data sovereignty.

Challenges hindering Bangladesh's AI growth

One of the biggest challenges Bangladesh faces is that without domestic AI capabilities, Bangladesh remains vulnerable to external market fluctuations and pricing structures dictated by foreign providers.

Another major hurdle is the lack of infrastructure. Bangladesh currently has no large-scale AI data centres, forcing researchers and companies to rely on expensive cloud computing services from AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure. The absence of high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure slows down AI research and limits local innovation.

Additionally, Bangladesh faces a shortage of skilled AI professionals. The country's top talents tend to migrate abroad in search of better opportunities, leading to brain drain. While local universities offer AI-related courses, AI research has yet to be fully integrated into their core curriculum. Without a strong pipeline of AI-related talent, Bangladesh will struggle to build a self-sufficient AI ecosystem.

Opportunities for Bangladesh amidst the AI rivalry

Despite these challenges, Bangladesh has several opportunities to establish itself as a competitive player in this sector. One promising approach is leveraging open-source AI models such as DeepSeek's V3 and R1, Meta's Llama, Mistral, and Falcon and others. Open-source AI models offer greater flexibility, cost efficiency, and data sovereignty, reducing the country's reliance on expensive proprietary systems from global AI leaders.

Another crucial step for Bangladesh is developing its own AI foundation model trained in Bangla and regional datasets. By creating localised AI models, Bangladesh can address the needs of local businesses, government agencies, and educational institutions. A home-grown localised foundation model would enable the country to build AI applications tailored to its unique economic and linguistic landscape, reducing dependence on foreign technology.

To make these initiatives viable, investing in local AI data centres is essential. Establishing AI infrastructure would lower computing costs, making AI adoption more accessible for businesses and startups. Local AI data centres could also attract companies seeking affordable, regionally hosted AI solutions, creating new economic opportunities.

Policy recommendations for strengthening Bangladesh's AI ecosystem

To accelerate AI growth, the government must increase funding for AI research and introduce AI-specific grants and tax incentives for startups. By investing in AI innovation, Bangladesh can stimulate local development and attract foreign investment.

Educational institutions must play a crucial role in this transformation by collaborating with industry leaders to develop AI-focused research programmes. The government should also establish dedicated AI research institutions that focus on cost-effective, scalable AI solutions tailored to Bangladesh's needs.

Public-private partnerships will be key to advancing AI development. The government should foster collaboration between academia, businesses, and policymakers to create a cohesive AI ecosystem. Regulatory sandboxes should be introduced, allowing AI startups to test their models with minimal bureaucratic restrictions.

Another critical step is implementing data localisation laws to ensure that sensitive data is stored within Bangladesh, reducing security risks and enhancing data sovereignty. Additionally, strong AI governance frameworks should be developed to prevent unethical AI use and ensure responsible AI deployment.

Despite lacking AI infrastructure and skilled professionals, Bangladesh can establish a unique role in the global AI arena. This will be a technological leap with economic imperative for future competitiveness.

Rashedul Huq is research associate at North South University.​

 

[Saif]

AI is ‘biggest shift of our lifetimes’

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a “fundamental rewiring of technology” that will act as an “accelerant of human ingenuity”, Google boss Sundar Pichai will say Monday at a global AI summit in Paris.

www.thedailystar.net

AI is ‘biggest shift of our lifetimes’

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a "fundamental rewiring of technology" that will act as an "accelerant of human ingenuity", Google boss Sundar Pichai will say Monday at a global AI summit in Paris.

"We're still in the early days of the AI platform shift, and yet we know it will be the biggest of our lifetimes," Pichai was to say according to excerpts from his speech to global leaders and tech industry chiefs seen by AFP.

The Google boss will highlight imminent applications for AI technology such as detecting the emergence of wildfires in satellite images, as well as announce a partnership for detecting and treating cancer with the French capital's Institut Curie.

Demis Hassabis, the head of Google's DeepMind AI research lab, also hailed the technology's potential at an event on Sunday in Google's Paris offices.

"Material science, mathematics, fusion, there is almost no area of science that won't benefit from these AI tools," the Nobel chemistry laureate said.

"With AI, we have the chance to democratise access (to a new technology) from the start, and to ensure that the digital divide doesn't become an AI divide," Pichai was to say Tuesday.

The concept of a "digital divide" refers to the gap between people with or without easy access to and familiarity with the internet and modern communications technologies.​

 

[Saif]

Paris summit grapples with real-world impact of AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) risks reinforcing gender disparities rather than immediate widespread job destruction, the International Labour Organization chief said yesterday as a summit of national leaders and tech bosses opened in Paris.

www.thedailystar.net

Paris summit grapples with real-world impact of AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) risks reinforcing gender disparities rather than immediate widespread job destruction, the International Labour Organization chief said yesterday as a summit of national leaders and tech bosses opened in Paris.

Co-hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Paris summit aims to lay the groundwork for governing the nascent sector, as global powers race to play leading roles in the fast-developing technology.

At present, AI is mostly replacing humans in clerical jobs disproportionately held by women, International Labour Organization (ILO) head Gilbert Houngbo told an audience in the French capital's opulent Grand Palais.

"The category of jobs that will be automated and hence be lost could contribute to deepen the gender gap" in pay between men and women, he added.

Looking at the wider picture, "we're not too much worried (about) a massive job loss" despite widespread fears Houngbo added.

While "there will be millions of jobs that will be lost", many more will be created thanks to AI, he predicted based on current "quite positive" trends.

Nevertheless, "there is a risk of those new jobs being paid less and sometimes with much less protection" for employees, as has happened with much "gig economy" work, Houngbo said.

Political leaders, including US Vice President JD Vance and Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing, are set to rub shoulders with the likes of OpenAI boss Sam Altman and Google chief Sundar Pichai.

A largely suit-wearing crowd of men and women speaking languages from all over the world gathered under the glass-and-steel dome of the great hall, built for the 1900 Universal Exhibition and now decked out with screens and geodesic domes.- 'Immense hopes, exaggerated fear' -

Two years on from the emergence of OpenAI's ChatGPT chatbot, "artificial intelligence fuels both immense hopes and, at times, exaggerated fear," Macron's AI envoy Anne Bouverot told guests as she opened the summit.

She promised a "turning point" that would bring more countries on board with AI, as well as more "sustainable development" of the resource- and energy-hungry technology.

Macron had on Sunday trumpeted the economic benefits of artificial intelligence, saying 109 billion euros ($113 billion) would be invested in French AI in the coming years.

That was "the equivalent for France of what the US has announced with 'Stargate'," the $500-billion US programme led by ChatGPT maker OpenAI, he added.

The technical challenges and price of entry for nations hoping to keep abreast in the AI race have become clearer in recent week​

 

[Saif]

Businesses riding the AI wave

About seven years ago, representatives of bKash would visit the company’s agent points and merchant outlets across Bangladesh to ensure that its point-of-sale and promotional materials, such as banners, posters and stickers, are properly displayed.

www.thedailystar.net

Businesses riding the AI wave

Illustration: Biplob Chakroborty

About seven years ago, representatives of bKash would visit the company's agent points and merchant outlets across Bangladesh to ensure that its point-of-sale and promotional materials, such as banners, posters and stickers, are properly displayed.

These materials were essential for conveying promotional offers and other marketing messages from the country's leading mobile financial service provider.

But in 2018, bKash partnered with Intelligent Machines, an artificial intelligence (AI) company, to complete such tasks using computer vision, which is a field of AI that enables machines to analyse and interpret visual data.

Called Biponon, the service was then introduced across all of its roughly eight lakh outlets, subsequently streamlining what was once the cumbersome task of managing trade marketing and sales operations.

The results were astounding as bKash achieved a 320 percent rise in productivity, with the AI tool enabling its merchandisers or representatives to serve 585 outlets compared to 139 previously.

This is just one example of how the wave of AI, which is sweeping the world like a tsunami while also sparking geopolitical tensions, has reached the country's shores.

Following the global trend of embracing AI to reduce human intervention and improve operational efficiency, local companies have started using it for predictive maintenance, inventory management and supply chain optimisation, albeit at a slower pace.

Now, some local AI development companies are driving innovation across various industries through their products. In essence, they are developing AI-powered solutions to address challenges in areas such as business, agriculture, healthcare, finance and education.

Globally, Walmart leverages AI for forecasting demand and inventory optimisation while Amazon uses it for warehouse automation and delivery planning. In the financial sector, AI is being utilised to analyse customer behaviour and detect fraud.

Likewise, some of the leading local companies, including Unilever, Grameenphone and Banglalink, alongside startups like Pathao, and e-commerce platforms like Foodpanda and Daraz, are adopting AI to optimise operations, personalise customer experiences and enhance efficiency.

McKinsey and Company, a US-based multinational strategy and management consulting firm, said AI adoption could contribute about $13 trillion to the global GDP by 2030, with the retail, healthcare and manufacturing sectors being key beneficiaries.

By automating repetitive tasks and enabling real-time decision-making, AI reduces costs and unlocks innovative growth opportunities, reshaping global business practices.

To harness AI's potential, two types of companies have emerged worldwide: those that use AI solutions and those that build AI while some are hybridising by developing tailored AI solutions.

And Bangladesh is no exception to this ongoing transformative trend.

COMPANIES THAT EMBRACE AI

Other than using AI to streamline its point-of-sale materials, bKash also deeply integrated AI into several core business functions, particularly customer service, data management and decision-making.

"For instance, we leverage predictive modelling to gain insights into customer behaviour, which enables us to identify trends and implement adequate interventions to enhance customer experiences and retention," said Azmal Huda, chief product and technology officer of bKash.

"In customer service, intelligent AI-driven chatbots provide instant responses to common queries, streamlining service delivery and reducing operational load," he added.

bKash also leverages AI to enhance the customer experience and optimise service delivery. Its recommendation engine analyses user preferences and behaviour to suggest relevant services, increasing customer engagement and satisfaction.

AI-driven credit scoring models facilitate micro-loan services by accurately assessing creditworthiness, ensuring timely access to credit. An AI-based loyalty engine distributes loyalty points, encouraging long-term engagement and driving revenue growth. Machine learning (ML) streamlines its customer onboarding by verifying identity documents and facial data. Predictive modelling and forecasting further enable bKash to anticipate market trends and adapt its offerings accordingly.

Demand forecasting powered by AI ensures that system capacities are optimised, reducing over-provisioning and underutilisation of resources. Additionally, we employ predictive modelling and anomaly detection techniques to identify and mitigate fraud, Huda said.

"AI will be a key differentiator, enabling companies to extend next-generation financial services, such as credit access and smart saving solutions, to underserved populations, thereby driving financial inclusion and market expansion," he added.

bKash prioritises skill development through knowledge-sharing sessions and workshops, fostering innovation and empowering employees for an AI-driven future.

Banglalink, a leading mobile network operator and digital service provider, has integrated AI deeply into its operations to enhance customer experience and efficiency.

AI powers various aspects, including customer service, product development and internal processes. Generative AI chatbots provide instant and accurate support, significantly improving customer satisfaction.

The AI-driven platform RYZE offers personalised services like CV writing and profile enhancement, with more features underway. Also, the MyBL app curates relevant content, streamlining user experiences.

Besides, AI-driven data analysis enables Banglalink to segment customers, personalise offerings and optimise operations through revenue forecasting, stock predictions and credit scoring. The company also employs P.I. Works' AI-powered solutions with self-organising network (SON) capabilities to enhance network performance while reducing human error.

Looking ahead, Banglalink plans to expand AI adoption in education, health and fintech while training employees to maximise its potential, ensuring continued growth and innovation.

Unilever uses its precision marketing AI tool provided by Intelligent Machines, Fordo, to recommend personalised discounts to 2.3 million customers at about 4,500 kitchen markets all over the country.

The Unilever team has achieved successful conversion rates of 6 percent and above (often as high as 13 percent), up from 1 percent before using AI.

Unilever Bangladesh said it initially focused on software, but has now integrated AI and ML to automate key processes. Furthermore, AI-driven stock replenishment, sales strategies, and route optimisation have enhanced company efficiency. A dedicated analytics team leverages ML for market insights.

UNA, an AI-powered generative platform, supports employees by streamlining tasks, answering queries and providing quick access to essential resources, improving productivity and user experience across various functions.

British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB) has taken their Bangla keyword spotting AI, Shobdo, to track and improve 5,540 sales representatives' brand message deliveries at 200,000 outlets. The team has been able to increase the effectiveness of their brand message deliveries from 15 percent to 75 percent using AI.

BATB has also taken their predictive maintenance AI, Jontro, to determine the optimum time to replace the spare parts of the factory's machines.

IDLC Finance and Prime Bank are using a financial statement analysing AI, Dharapat, to process bank statements and the central bank's Credit Information Bureau report, bringing down the critical operations turnaround time from days to minutes.

Grameenphone and Ericsson recently announced a partnership for leveraging AI to enhance telecom services and drive digital transformation in Bangladesh. Their partnership focuses on upgrading Business Support Systems with AI-powered solutions, such as intelligent usage analysis, anomaly detection and automated service management.
Robi has introduced an AI-powered distribution bot to revolutionise its supply chain, addressing challenges in serving over 55 million subscribers across Bangladesh.

Besides, AI solutions have reduced its low-balance scenarios by 25 percent and improved service reliability.

Bangladesh's largest consumer tech platform, Pathao, is also leveraging AI and custom machine learning models to streamline operations and improve user experiences across its ride-hailing, delivery and fintech platforms.

These include calculating accurate fares, estimating trip durations, suggesting destinations and optimising ride pairings. Advanced geocoding ensures efficient parcel delivery routes while AI verifies eKYC for fintech and validates content for quick commerce.

Future developments include automating customer support, enabling conversational product discovery, performing credit scoring and determining the best customer lifecycle interventions.

The manufacturing sector is also embracing AI, with companies like Akij Group adopting predictive maintenance systems to minimise machinery downtime.

Retailers like Daraz Bangladesh and Chaldal rely on AI for personalised customer recommendations and demand forecasting, streamlining inventory management. Even education is evolving: Edtech platforms like Shikho and 10 Minute School use AI to tailor learning experiences, adapting content to individual student performances. These examples highlight how Bangladeshi industries are harnessing AI to solve local problems while boosting productivity.

Walton is transforming home appliances with AI-driven innovations. Its smart refrigerators use an AI-based multiple-speed optimisation algorithm to optimise cooling and reduce energy consumption.

For example, AI-powered air conditioners learn user preferences for personalised comfort.

Meanwhile, the company's IoT-enabled electrical appliances allow users to create customised automation scenes, with the Walton Smart Appliances app enabling remote monitoring and control.

AI-BUILDING COMPANIES

With demand for AI solutions or models on the rise, AI-building companies specialising in developing AI models and solutions for various industries have bourgeoned in Bangladesh in the last few years.

These companies focus on creating custom AI tools, such as ML algorithms, computer vision systems, and natural language processing models.

Youths have taken centre stage here, founding a number of companies focused on creating AI solutions for industries such as telecommunications and security. These AI-building companies help businesses automate processes, optimise operations and improve decision-making, driving digital transformation.

Sigmind, a local startup founded in 2017, is primarily leveraging computer vision, a branch of artificial intelligence that focuses on enabling machines to interpret and analyse visual data from the real world.

It now specialises in advanced AI-driven solutions for vehicle analytics, including vehicle identification, classification, number plate recognition, and traffic and toll management systems.

"Our technology enhances transparency and security in environments such as export processing zones by automating processes like vehicle counting and access control," said Md Abu Anas Ibn Samad, founder and CEO of Sigmind.

For human analytics, Sigmind offers automated attendance systems, real-time entry monitoring, identification and access control. This eliminates the need for manual attendance processes and ensures seamless security through anomaly detection and alerts.

Sigmind has deployed its solutions across seven countries, serving governments and enterprises with a team of 18 professionals.

"We are driving AI adoption to enhance efficiency and foster development. As AI continues to transform industries, the need for upskilling the workforce is crucial," Samad said.

CURRENT STATE OF AI IN BANGLADESH

Bangladesh's position in AI is still nascent compared to global leaders like the US, China and India.

According to experts, while local companies are leveraging AI for operational efficiency and customer engagement, the country lacks a robust AI ecosystem.

Key challenges include limited infrastructure, skill gaps and insufficient investment in research and development.

To compete globally, Bangladesh must prioritise a national AI strategy, invest in education and training, foster public-private partnerships, and encourage local innovation.

"Key challenges for Bangladesh include fragmented academia-industry ties, scarce R&D funding, and policy gaps. Prioritise tripartite collaboration among academia, industry, and policymakers," said Mohammad Mahdee-uz Zaman, an AI policy expert.

He further said academia should develop AI-focused curricula while industries should provide practical training and policymakers should incentivise innovation.

"Strengthen digital infrastructure, invest in AI research centres and promote rural AI literacy. By aligning demographic agility with strategic upskilling, Bangladesh can leverage AI for domestic problem-solving in sectors like agriculture and healthcare, while positioning itself for global market leadership," he added.

Zaman, also the founder of CloudCamp Bangladesh, said with 60 percent of its population under 30, Bangladesh's youth and 1 million freelancers are pivotal to harnessing AI.

So, upskilling this workforce in AI tools (data annotation and ML models) can position the country as a global outsourcing hub for AI-driven tasks.

According to Mohammad Oli Ahad, the founder of Intelligent Machines and a passionate AI practitioner, the world is much like where it was in the early 1990s with the internet when it comes to AI.

"Similar to how, with the exceptions of socioeconomic left-outs, every industry and business now uses the internet, they will be using AI in coming years," said Ahad, who left Intelligent Machines and founded a new startup called rmg.ai, aiming to help transform the country's leading export industry.

"AI will break down every business model and put them back together in new ways," he added.

Rakibul Hassan, one of the country's leading authors on AI and ML, said adopting AI at scale requires strategic best practices, and the government should spearhead a national AI strategy with sector-specific roadmaps emphasising agriculture and healthcare.

Hassan suggested that a dedicated council, comprising experts from academia, industry and policymakers, could guide implementation. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are equally vital as collaborating with tech firms to develop AI solutions for public services, such as smart traffic systems in Dhaka, would demonstrate tangible benefits.

Meanwhile, investing in digital infrastructure, including high-speed internet and cloud computing, is essential to support startups like Chaldal and Daraz.

"Universities like BUET and all others must integrate AI into STEM curricula to nurture talent," said Hassan, who is also chief technology officer at CTO Link3 Technologies.

Projects in low-risk areas, such as using ML to predict water/power demand in Dhaka, can build confidence in wider deployment, he added.

He also said challenges persist, including limited data quality, skill gaps and resistance to change.

However, Bangladesh's young, tech-savvy population and thriving startup ecosystem offer unique opportunities.

"By prioritising ethical frameworks, infrastructure and collaboration, Bangladesh can position itself as a regional AI hub, using technology to tackle pressing issues like climate resilience, healthcare access and economic inclusion."​

 

[Saif]

AI, data-driven strategies transforming business operations: experts

The daylong Digital Summit held in Dhaka

www.thedailystar.net

AI, data-driven strategies transforming business operations: experts
The daylong Digital Summit held in Dhaka

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data-driven strategies are transforming modern business operations, experts said today.

AI has become a fundamental tool in solving business challenges, with data analytics, machine learning, and advanced algorithms enabling businesses to anticipate market demand, manage inventory efficiently, and refine marketing strategies for maximum impact, said Zaved Akhtar, CEO of Unilever Bangladesh.

"With the rise of multiple TV channels and the evolution of digital marketing, firms must adapt and shift their perception accordingly," he said.

Akhtar also highlighted AI's capabilities, stating that it can now prepare, simulate, and complete 3D printing in just 30 minutes, whereas it previously took 15-20 days.

Bangladesh can be broadly divided into two regions: the eastern region, which is more industrialised and receives significant remittances—leading to a higher concentration of digital advertising—and the western region, which is predominantly rural, where door-to-door sales are more prevalent, said Akhtar, who is also the president of the Foreign Investors' Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

He was delivering a keynote address at the 11th edition of the Digital Summit, presented by Meghna Group of Industries (MGI) and organised by Bangladesh Brand Forum at InterContinental Dhaka.

The event served as a platform for industry leaders, digital experts, marketing professionals, and business strategists to convene and explore the dynamic and ever-evolving digital landscape.

The summit facilitated in-depth discussions on how businesses and brands can navigate the complexities of digital transformation while staying attuned to shifting consumer behaviours and emerging technological innovations.

Guided by the overarching theme "Digital Renaissance: Innovating for Tomorrow's Consumer," this year's summit analysed the intersection of technology, consumer psychology, and brand engagement.

Discussions underscored how brands must rethink their strategies to forge stronger and more meaningful connections with the next generation of consumers, particularly Gen Z and Gen Alpha.

The event featured a meticulously designed agenda, comprising an exciting lineup of two keynote sessions, four panel discussions, and two insight sessions, all aimed at offering deep insights and practical solutions for digital transformation.

Delivering the opening remarks, Sajid Mahbub, group CEO and executive editor of Bangladesh Brand Forum, emphasised the importance of embracing digital evolution as a necessity rather than an option.

"We are witnessing an era where digital transformation is no longer a distant concept—it is happening all around us, redefining how businesses operate and how brands engage with their audiences," he said.

"The digital renaissance calls for innovation, agility, and a profound understanding of consumer expectations. This summit is designed to equip industry leaders with the knowledge, tools, and strategies to rethink their approaches, foster deeper engagement, and navigate the complexities of today's fast-changing digital terrain."​

 

[Saif]

National AI Policy must address vulnerabilities of artificial intelligence

Bangladesh must ensure its AI system is fair, secure, and beneficial for all.

www.thedailystar.net

National AI Policy must address vulnerabilities of artificial intelligence

File Illustration: Salman Sakib Shahryar

Last year, the Bangladesh government released a draft of the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy, which, given the changing political situation and a lack of public interest in general, did not get enough attention. Despite projecting a lofty vision of catapulting Bangladesh into an era of AI innovation and adoption by harnessing it for the well-being of citizens, economic prosperity, and sustainable development, the draft policy falls short in some aspects, especially compared to the more detailed and exemplary regulatory frameworks such as the Artificial Intelligence Act in the European Union (EU) and AI regulations in China.

One of the vital goals of any national AI policy should be ensuring that AI systems are legally required to be reasonably safe, secure, reliable, and protected against errors and biases. That is precisely one of the areas where our policy could be more comprehensive.

One of the major risks of AI lies in its susceptibility to errors and biases, which raises a wide range of ethical concerns. Unlike conventional computer programmes, AI systems powered by machine learning can learn from data without explicit directives from human operators. While this gives AI transformative potential—such as in the case of operating self-driving cars and creating art or poetry—it also makes them susceptible to errors.

The first type of error comes from the data used to train the AI. It is easier to explain this with a few examples. In 2018, Amazon, the world's largest e-commerce retailer, used an AI recruitment tool that helped check applications. The tool had been trained on checking the CVs submitted to the company in the last 10 years, most of which came from men. Consequently, the algorithm learnt to favour male candidates, and downgrade CVs that included the word "women." After the issue was discovered, Amazon scrapped the tool. Similarly, in 2020, Twitter faced backlash when users discovered that its image-cropping algorithm favoured white faces over black ones. The algorithm was found to have been trained on datasets that did not adequately represent different skin tones, leading to biased decisions that favoured lighter-skinned individuals. Therefore, there is a critical need for diverse and representative datasets when training machine learning models to avoid biases and ensure fair and accurate performance.

The second source of errors is the algorithms themselves. For instance, in 2023, autonomous vehicle manufacturer Cruise had to recall its entire fleet of self-driving cars in the US after a vehicle struck a pedestrian, causing severe injuries. These cars were using a particular class of machine learning—deep learning, which is the technology behind today's most advanced AI systems, but it is not yet advanced enough to anticipate incidents like this. Regardless of the volume of training data, it is impossible to prepare these systems for every conceivable scenario. Thus, the potential for such errors always exists.

Finally, the third source of errors made by artificial systems is that machines lack morality and ethical point of views. In many fields, AI is being used to make decisions with moral implications, often without human oversight. For example, AI systems can identify and track individuals, potentially leading to biased or unjust actions. In some countries, AI algorithms are already being used in the justice system to assess the likelihood of a defendant committing future crimes, influencing decisions on bail, sentencing, and parole. These algorithms analyse various factors, from a person's criminal history to their socioeconomic background, to predict the risk level they pose. Without human supervision, AI can often misread the nuances of criminal cases and generate wrong verdicts. Even with human oversight, AI's decisions can influence a human judge's decision-making process in a wrong way.

An examination of Bangladesh's AI policy shows that, even though it addresses several potential sources of errors, some parts of it require further fine-tuning and expansion. For example, while the policy emphasises the need to prevent prejudice, bias, and discrimination in AI (Section 6.1.4), it lacks specific guidelines on ensuring diversity in training datasets, which is crucial for such prevention. Even though the legal and regulatory framework is meant to be established separately in the National Strategy for AI, which is a companion to the National AI Policy, more explicit instructions on data diversity, algorithmic oversight, and ethical considerations would benefit it.

The issue of data diversity is probably the most crucial for Bangladesh. Currently, most AI systems are being trained using datasets from developed countries. This can have profound negative implications for developing countries like ours. For example, in the near future, when AI becomes more commonplace, state-of-the-art AI algorithms used in medical diagnostics may not work well for patients in our country because the training dataset did not include enough information about our weather, food habits, and genetic makeup, which are pertinent to our health. Therefore, while data privacy and security are crucial, developing a representative demographic dataset under government supervision is also essential.

Bangladesh must ensure its AI system is fair, secure, and beneficial for all. While the draft National AI Policy marks a first step in that direction, policy gaps in data diversity, algorithmic oversight, and ethical considerations must be addressed more comprehensively in future revisions.

Amio Galib Chowdhury is graduate research student at the McCoy College of Business, Texas State University, US.​

 

[Saif]

DeepSeek’s AI triumph: A call for Bangladesh to retain its brightest minds

The global AI race is no longer just about talent migration—it is about fostering innovation at home.

www.thedailystar.net

DeepSeek’s AI triumph: A call for Bangladesh to retain its brightest minds

The recent success of DeepSeek, an AI model developed in China, has disrupted the industry, proving that world-class AI can be created at a fraction of the cost. FILE PHOTO: REUTERS

The United States has long been the world's premier destination for innovation, drawing the brightest minds from across the globe. With its unmatched financial resources, world-class research institutions, and a risk-taking culture that fuels technological breakthroughs, the US has cultivated an environment where ambitious thinkers thrive. The country has built an ecosystem that rewards talent and creativity, making it a magnet for scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs who push the boundaries of possibility. This ability to attract and invest in global talent has been a key driver of the US's dominance in artificial intelligence (AI) and other cutting-edge technologies.

However, the landscape is evolving. The recent success of DeepSeek, an AI model developed in China, has disrupted the industry, proving that world-class AI can be created at a fraction of the cost. Unlike models from OpenAI or Google that require immense computational power and financial backing, DeepSeek demonstrated remarkable efficiency by utilising only a fraction of the GPUs typically needed for large-scale language models. This milestone underscores a broader shift: Asian countries are no longer just suppliers of talent for US companies; they are becoming AI powerhouses themselves. This shift is further reflected in the increasing presence of Asian talent in the US tech industry. With 71 percent of AI researchers in the US being foreign-born and a majority hailing from Asia, the statistics speak for themselves—35.9 percent of Microsoft's AI team and 44.8 percent of Google's AI researchers are of Asian descent.

What makes Asian talent so exceptional? The answer lies in the unique motivations that drive these individuals. Unlike their Western counterparts, who often have access to ample resources, many Asian innovators grow up in environments where they must navigate scarcity and intense competition. This fosters a problem-solving mindset, resilience, and an ability to maximise efficiency with limited means. In countries like Bangladesh, students develop an extraordinary work ethic from a young age, competing for a limited number of top university spots and thriving in challenging conditions. Despite the increase in higher education institutions, the quality of education remains a pressing issue. Many universities focus on infrastructure rather than investing in skilled faculty or research facilities, and there is no robust mechanism to measure educational quality. As a result, students seek better opportunities abroad, where they can specialise and gain practical knowledge tailored to industry demands.

Many of Bangladesh's brightest students have showcased their talents on the global stage, excelling in international competitions and pursuing higher studies at prestigious institutions abroad. A notable example of local ingenuity is Avro Keyboard, a free and open-source Bangla keyboard developed in 2003 by young innovator Mehdi Hasan Khan and his team. Over the years, it has become an indispensable tool for Bangla typing and was honoured with the 2025 Ekushey Padak in recognition. This innovation underscores Bangladesh's potential to contribute meaningfully to the technological landscape, demonstrating how the country's youth can drive innovation and make significant strides in the global tech arena.

Bangladesh, a country with immense intellectual potential, finds itself at a crossroads in this shifting global dynamic. The number of students going abroad for higher studies has tripled in 15 years, despite significant growth in local higher education institutions. In 2022, at least 49,151 Bangladeshi students went abroad to study in 58 countries, a sharp rise from 16,609 in 2008. Although the number of universities has doubled in the same period, the outflow of students has not slowed due to challenges such as limited research opportunities, outdated lab facilities, and political instability. The lack of skilled faculty, research funding, and infrastructure prevents them from thriving within the country, leading to a continuous brain drain.

To harness the potential of its bright population, Bangladesh must learn from countries that have successfully reversed the brain drain. China, for instance, implemented policies to bring back top researchers by offering competitive salaries, advanced research facilities, and government-backed funding programmes. Similarly, India's expanding AI and tech ecosystem is creating opportunities that encourage talent to return home. Bangladesh can adopt similar strategies by investing in AI research centres, fostering collaboration between academia and industry, and providing financial incentives for researchers to develop groundbreaking technology within the country. Creating a startup-friendly environment and strengthening AI infrastructure will allow Bangladesh to not only retain talent but also attract global investments.

The global AI race is no longer just about talent migration—it is about fostering innovation at home. While the US continues to benefit from Asia's intellectual capital, the balance is shifting. However, Bangladesh has a golden opportunity to leverage its human potential and become a significant player in AI. By investing in its brightest minds and providing them with the resources they need, the country can position itself at the forefront of the AI revolution. If Bangladesh embraces the momentum of innovation, it can transform from a talent exporter to a leader in global AI innovation.

Ruhina Tabasshum Prome is research associate at Bangladesh Institute of Governance and Management (BIGM).

Shirin Sultana is research associate at BIGM.​

 

[Saif]

Growing AI market to stir global economy

There is no doubt that artificial intelligence (AI) will significantly change the global economy in the near future due to the fast-growing competition among nations that tap its benefits. Advanced countries are well ahead in the competition thanks to their cutting-edge knowledge and technology, wh

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Growing AI market to stir global economy
Asjadul Kibria
Published :
Apr 12, 2025 22:06
Updated :
Apr 12, 2025 22:06

There is no doubt that artificial intelligence (AI) will significantly change the global economy in the near future due to the fast-growing competition among nations that tap its benefits. Advanced countries are well ahead in the competition thanks to their cutting-edge knowledge and technology, whereas developing nations are struggling to catch up. The net result is that there exist a wide gap between the two in regards to AI, which will leave a far-reaching impact on millions of people in the coming days. It is also likely that millions of jobs will vanish, creating severe social tension and chaos in the world. However, there is a big potential to explore diversified opportunities due to the proliferation of AI.

UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) made these observations in its Technology and Innovation Report 2025, released in the first week of this month. The theme of the latest report is Inclusive Artificial Intelligence for Development, which stresses strategic investments, inclusive governance, and global cooperation to ensure that the benefits of AI are shared equally by all rather than reinforcing current discriminations.

It is to be noted that AI is one of the key frontier technologies and is generally defined as the capability of a machine to engage in cognitive activities typically performed by the human brain. AI implementations focusing on narrow tasks are widely available and used, for example, in recommending online purchases, for virtual assistants in smartphones and for detecting spam or credit card fraud. New implementations of AI are based on machine learning and harness big data.

Again, frontier technologies are defined as new and rapidly developing technologies that take advantage of digitalisation and connectivity. These are emerging at the intersection of radical scientific breakthroughs and real-world implementation. UNCTAD report mentioned 16 more frontier technologies besides AI. These are the Internet of Things (IoT), Big data, Blockchain, 5G, Metaverse, 3D printing, Robotics, Drone technology, Solar photovoltaics (Solar PV), Concentrated solar power, Biofuels, Biogas and biomass, wind energy, Green hydrogen, electric vehicles, Nanotechnology, and Gene editing. These technologies are changing our lives, communication, innovation, creation, and business. Moreover, these are helping to address some of the most pressing global issues we face.

UNCTAD report mentioned that AI is expected to reach US$4.8 trillion in market value within a decade, by 2033, to be precise. At present, the share of AI in the leading frontier technologies market is only seven per cent, while the Internet of Things grabs 36 per cent. Due to rapid growth, by 2033 the share of AI may reach 29 per cent. The UN agency report, however, pointed out that access to AI infrastructure and expertise remains concentrated in a few economies. For instance, only 100 firms, mainly in the United States (US) and China, account for 40 per cent of global corporate research and development (R&D) spending. "Leading tech giants, such as Apple, Nvidia and Microsoft, each have a market value of around $3 trillion, rivalling the gross domestic product (GDP) of the whole African continent," it added. Thus, the report cautioned that market dominance, at both national and corporate levels, is likely to widen technological divides, leaving many developing nations at risk of missing out on the benefits of AI.

Another big risk the fast-growing AI market poses is the loss of jobs. UNCTAD report estimated that AI could impact 40 per cent of jobs worldwide as the 'benefits of AI-driven automation often favour capital over labour.' This may widen inequality and reduce the competitive advantage of low-cost labour in developing economies, cautioned the report. At the same time, the report expressed optimism that AI is not just about replacing jobs; it can create new industries and empower workers. To use AI to enhance employment opportunities rather than eliminate those, the UN agency stressed investing in reskilling, upskilling and workforce adaptation. In this connection, it is critical to formulate effective AI policies in the countries, so they can focus on infrastructure, data and skills.

So far, most AI policies have been formulated by developed countries. The UNCTAD report showed that at the end of 2023, around two-thirds of developed countries had a national AI strategy, and only six of the 89 national AI strategies were from LDCs. Bangladesh and Sierra Leone took the lead in 2019 to formulate AI policies and were joined by four other LDCs in 2023.

Another critical aspect is global AI governance, which will play a significant role in determining the status of different nations in the world of AI. As AI regulation and ethical frameworks take shape, UNCTAD strongly recommends that developing nations join the initiative. This is crucial to ensure that AI serves global progress, not just the interests of a few. The report argues that stronger international cooperation is necessary to create a global AI framework prioritising equity, transparency, and shared benefits.

The analyses of the pros and cons of AI globally in the near future by UNCTAD will definitely serve as a valuable guideline for developing nations like Bangladesh. Though the country has taken a number of steps in digital transformation and is also trying to move ahead in terms of AI, a lot of work is needed in this connection. The Digital Bangladesh initiative, launched one and half decades ago, successfully pushed digital transformation in various sectors. The country's potential is also reflected in the frontier technologies readiness index, as revealed in the UNCTAD report.

In 2024, Bangladesh ranked 112th among 170 nations in the frontier technologies readiness index overall, jumping from 121st in the previous index. The index has five key components, and ranking in those areas can provide more details of readiness.

The country's position is significantly low in ICT and skills rankings, 140th and 132, respectively, reflecting the bad governance, flawed planning and wrong investments that drove the Digital Bangladesh initiative from its optimal paths to a large extent. The country's position is slightly better in industry and finance rankings, 108th and 90th, respectively. In the research and development (R&D) ranking, Bangladesh stood 61st, showing that the country has developed a research repository, although it is still unable to translate the research outcomes into action significantly. To put it another way, Bangladesh has developed a good research base to tap into the future AI market and contribute to the global AI policy-making discourse and governance. Now, a long-term realistic plan is required to continue the advancement in research and draw adequate investment from home and abroad. Securing jobs is also critical for the country, as AI-driven displacement is unavoidable.​

 

[Saif]

How AI can help build a fairer Bangladesh

To ensure a sustainable future, it is imperative to reform state policies and eliminate corruption.

www.thedailystar.net

How AI can help build a fairer Bangladesh

File Illustration: Salman Sakib Shahryar

Bangladesh has faced systemic corruption with various public and private sectors, resulting in inefficiencies, economic disparities, and hardships for the common people. Under the former regime, corruption was rampant, leading to biased policymaking that benefited vested quarters at the cost of national wealth and public welfare. To ensure a sustainable future, it is imperative to reform state policies and eliminate corruption. This can be done through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and automated data-driven systems to monitor societal transitions. This initiative aims to empower the youth and universities in Bangladesh with AI-driven tools to actively participate in societal transition. By leveraging AI for unbiased decision-making and transparent monitoring, it seeks to eliminate corruption, enhance policy efficiency, and ensure equitable national development and public welfare.

The negative impact of corruption has permeated all key areas, including: (1) Energy security: predatory costs and economic inefficiencies and energy-related challenges have led to a severe energy crisis and financial burdens on the people putting their energy rights in danger. (2) Food security: poor policies and productivity, an oligopolistic market, especially in import, mismanagement of subsidies, and exploitation by middlemen have resulted in food shortage, adulteration, and price hikes. As a result, consumers' right to food is unprotected. (3) Health security: oligopolistic market, inaction by regulatory bodies, unethical business practices in the private sector and corruption in the healthcare and medicine sector have led to inadequate medical facilities, mismanagement of resources, and lack of affordable treatment options. Therefore, health rights are at stake. (4) Education security: poor-quality, corruption in recruitment and physical infrastructural development, and mismanagement of resources plague the sector. Former government officials, such as vice-chancellors of public universities and faculty members, have used employment as business opportunities, accepting bribes to recruit unqualified people. The same model was followed by the schools and colleges under Monthly Pay Order (MPO) all over the country. This not only compromises standards but also violates the right to quality education of the people. (5) Other areas: from financial security to national safety, biased policies and inefficient governance have created systemic instability and public dissatisfaction.

To counteract these, a fundamental shift in governance is needed—one that replaces human bias and vested interests with data-driven, AI-powered decision-making systems. AI has the potential to revolutionise governance by ensuring that policies are designed based on real-time, unbiased, and verifiable data.

Power network AI can be deployed to collect real-time data from power generation, transmission, and distribution systems. By eliminating human intervention in energy allocation and pricing decisions, the system can ensure equitable distribution of electricity based on real demand and supply, power supply free from predatory costs, system loss reduction, power generation at the least cost, detection of fraudulent activities such as unauthorised power consumption, system loss and billing manipulation, and optimised renewable energy integration, reducing dependency on fossil fuels and enhancing power supply and economic sustainability.

Data-driven AI systems can be implemented to regulate the agricultural sector and ensure fair price monitoring to prevent market manipulation, automated tracking of crop yields, predicting potential shortages and suggesting policy adjustments in real-time, transparent subsidy distribution, ensuring that benefits reach the farmers rather than corrupt intermediaries, and control of market price to prevent manipulation.

The healthcare system can be improved through AI-driven solutions such as automated tracking of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals preventing corruption in procurement and distribution, predictive analytics for disease outbreaks allowing better allocation of resources, and AI-assisted telemedicine improving healthcare access in rural and underserved areas.

The education sector requires urgent intervention to eliminate corruption and improve quality. AI-driven solutions can help by automating faculty and staff recruitment, monitoring educational standards, identifying underperforming institutions and enforcing accountability. AI-based personalised learning systems can enhance the quality of education and make it accessible to all students. It can also detect fraudulent degrees and academic misconduct, ensuring credibility in educational institutions.

Governance and policy reforms must be guided by AI-driven analysis that eliminates human biases. Key benefits include unbiased policy recommendations based on economic, social, and environmental data rather than political influences, automated fraud detection systems in financial transactions, procurement, and contract management and real-time data integration from multiple sources, ensuring transparency and accountability in government decision-making.

For AI-driven systems to function effectively, it is essential to establish: (1) Automated data collection mechanisms, reducing human interference and chances of manipulation; (2) Data sanitisation protocols, ensuring that collected data is accurate, relevant, and free from bias; and (3) Blockchain and cryptographic security frameworks, preventing unauthorised alterations or misuse of data.

The integration of AI-driven systems in governance is not just a technological upgrade—it is a revolutionary step towards fairness, efficiency, and accountability. By replacing corrupt human interventions with data-driven AI decisions, Bangladesh can overcome the inefficiencies of the past and build a future where public welfare is prioritised over vested interests.

M. Shamsul Alam is energy adviser at the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), and professor of electrical and electronic engineering at Daffodil University.​

 

[Saif]

The new canvas: how generative AI is changing the future of creative work in Bangladesh

Generative AI is rewriting the rules of creativity

www.thedailystar.net

The new canvas: how generative AI is changing the future of creative work in Bangladesh
Generative AI is rewriting the rules of creativity

From the bustling alleys of Dhaka to the quiet courtyards of Netrokona, a new creative energy is rising across Bangladesh. Young people everywhere—armed with dreams, basic laptops, and a mobile connection—are entering the digital design world. Whether through a local ICT training centre in Jashore, an online course in Chattogram, or a freelancing group in Rajshahi, the goal is to earn, create, and connect with global opportunities. But while their ambition is clear, many are still learning tools that are no longer industry standard. The rest of the world is already designing with Artificial Intelligence, and Bangladesh must catch up fast.

Today, generative AI is rewriting the rules of creativity. Tools like Stable Diffusion and DALL·E 3 allow users to turn simple text prompts into stunning visuals in seconds. A person can type "a modern office logo with traditional motifs" or "a coastal village sunset for a tourism poster," and instantly receive professional-quality results. Meanwhile, platforms like Canva—already popular in Bangladesh—have introduced AI-based features that simplify layout design, video editing, and brand creation. The result is that what once took days of careful work can now be completed in minutes, with almost no prior training in graphic software. For a country with millions of digitally inclined youth, this is not just a trend—it's a turning point.

More than 60 percent of Bangladesh's population is under 35. This massive demographic advantage—often called a demographic dividend—can either drive the economy forward or weigh it down, depending on how we prepare our youth. We can turn this population into a force of value generation with AI-powered design skills. If even a small percentage of our youth become successful AI-enhanced freelancers or entrepreneurs, the country could earn billions in annual income, reduce youth unemployment, and grow a sustainable, knowledge-based export sector. This is not a theory; this is already happening.

In Khulna, a group of final-year students uses Canva and DALL·E 3 to create product packaging for small businesses in the UAE. In Bogura, a freelancer who switched from traditional Photoshop to Stable Diffusion now handles design tasks for three international clients and has tripled his income. In Barishal, a group of girls from a local ICT centre are designing Facebook campaigns for local fashion brands using Canva's AI layout generator. In Mymensingh, a graduate with a diploma now creates concept art for indie game developers in Germany using prompt-based visual creation through AI tools.

These are not rare cases but early signals of a larger possibility. If we can train and mobilise one million youth in AI-powered design and content creation, each earning even $300 per month, that would mean over $3.6 billion flowing into the economy annually—without factories, without exports, and with minimal infrastructure. That is the cumulative impact we are ignoring at our own risk.

But this impact is not just economic. When a young woman in Nilphamari earns her first dollar by selling an AI-generated design on Etsy, she gains income, dignity, and confidence. When a boy in Rangpur becomes a visual storyteller using Canva's AI tools, he doesn't need to migrate for work—he brings opportunity home. When a madrasa graduate in Cumilla learns to design Da'wah posters with DALL·E 3 and shares them online, he's contributing to community education while building digital skills. This is how we create an inclusive economy—by giving tools, access, and belief to every corner of society.

The government of Bangladesh has already committed to digital development through initiatives like the ICT Division's skills programmes, LEDP, and SEIP. However, most of these training curricula were created before the rise of AI. They taught basic freelancing, graphic design, and content marketing, but now need to evolve rapidly to meet global standards. We must revise our national curriculum in public education and private training centres to include Stable Diffusion, DALL·E 3, Canva AI, and prompt engineering as part of regular training. Our instructors must be retrained. Our content must be translated into Bangla. And our delivery must reach every district—from Cox's Bazar to Thakurgaon.

A district-focused model can multiply this impact. In Rajshahi, known for its rich culture and artistic heritage, AI can help digitise traditional patterns into sellable global merchandise. In Narayanganj, the design needs of small garment exporters can be supported by local youth trained in prompt-based branding. In Noakhali, AI-powered design kiosks can be set up in union digital centres, helping farmers or shopkeepers make marketing posters. Sylhet's diaspora connections can be tapped by creating freelance design agencies that serve the UK and European Bangladeshi community. In Bandarban, trained tribal youth can build visual stories of their heritage, promote tourism, and sell creative content globally. The canvas is limitless—if we provide the brush.

The private sector must join this movement. Internet providers, banks, telecom companies, NGOs, and universities can co-host AI design bootcamps, sponsor creative challenges, and offer microgrants to rural AI creators. A student in Gopalganj should not be denied the future because they didn't have Canva Pro access or didn't hear of DALL·E 3. Inclusion must be intentional.

Bangladesh has consistently proven that it can adapt and leapfrog. From basic phones to mobile banking, garments to digital commerce, we move when mobilised. Now is the time to mobilise around generative AI—not as a tech buzzword but as a national tool for income, innovation, and inspiration. With proper direction, this movement could become our next garment industry—only brighter, cleaner, and fully digital.

Our young people are ready. They are creative, connected, and courageous. All they need now is guidance, access, and trust. We must give them the tools of tomorrow—today.

Let us not wait for the future to arrive. Let us build it—with our youth, talent, and a new canvas filled with AI-powered creativity.

The writer is the chairman of Bitbyte Technology Limited.​