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SANGSAD BHABAN, June 11, 2026 (BSS) - The government has identified Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a major opportunity for the country's development and modernization in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and digital transformation, with plans to deploy AI-based technologies to improve public service delivery and administrative efficiency.

The initiative is aimed at addressing existing inefficiencies and complexities in public services while facilitating faster decision-making, improved data analysis and enhanced service quality.

Unveiling the maiden national budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27 at the Jatiya Sangsad of the present BNP government, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said the government has undertaken initiatives to introduce AI-based technologies across various sectors as part of its broader digital transformation agenda.

He said the use of AI across different government departments would make administrative processes more efficient, transparent and timely.

The minister said initiatives have also been undertaken to develop smart cities and make citizen services more people-friendly through the application of AI technologies.

As part of efforts to prepare the younger generation for future workplaces, AI is being integrated into the education system, he added.

The government also plans to utilise AI in the health, agriculture and public service sectors.

According to the budget speech, these technology-driven initiatives are expected to open new avenues for building a technology-driven and service-oriented Bangladesh.

Describing the country's youth population as its greatest asset and the main driver of development, the government announced plans to place special emphasis on promoting startups, freelancing and digital entrepreneurship by harnessing their innovative potential.

To support these efforts, a modern startup policy is being formulated, while various existing funds will be consolidated into a unified startup financing mechanism.

The government expressed the hope that with adequate support, Bangladeshi youth would be able to establish world-class technology hubs similar to those in Silicon Valley or Singapore.

For FY27, the government has proposed an allocation of Tk 500 crore as a Startup Fund to encourage new entrepreneurs in the IT sector. The fund will specifically support the development of women entrepreneurs and young innovators.