Bangladesh is legislating AI law

The Government of Bangladesh is taking steps to enact the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act, according to Minister of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, Anisul Haque. The announcement was made during a stakeholder meeting held at the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) building in Agargaon on Thursday.

AI has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, especially following the launch of ChatGPT by OpenAI in September 2022. However, concerns have arisen regarding the potential risks associated with its widespread adoption, including the possibility of job displacement and the creation of convincing deepfake content.

Recognizing these challenges, global organizations such as the United Nations and the European Union have classified AI technology as potentially hazardous, emphasizing the need for regulation and safeguards to protect the public. Despite these risks, there is also acknowledgment of AI‍‍`s transformative potential for human civilization.

The Department of Information and Communication Technology convened the stakeholder meeting, which brought together representatives from various government ministries, departments, offices, and organizations. Minister Anisul Haque, speaking as the chief guest, emphasized the significance of the AI Act in fostering a smarter generation.

Acknowledging the dual nature of artificial intelligence, Minister Haque reassured stakeholders, stating, "Artificial intelligence has both good and bad aspects. There is nothing to be afraid of. Efforts have been made to enact artificial intelligence laws to curb the evils."

Highlighting the government‍‍`s commitment to consultative lawmaking, Haque underscored the importance of gathering input from stakeholders in the drafting process. He explained that the current meeting aimed to incorporate feedback from participants, with the goal of finalizing the draft law by September.

Expressing the urgency of AI regulation, Haque emphasized the need for flexibility in the initial phases of implementing the law. He stressed the importance of striking a balance between regulation and innovation to ensure responsible AI development.

State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, Junaid Ahmed Palak, echoed the importance of AI regulation, citing recent incidents of fake content circulating on social media platforms. Palak emphasized the necessity of leveraging AI technology while also mitigating its associated risks.

As Bangladesh moves forward with the legislation of the AI Act, stakeholders and policymakers alike are grappling with the challenge of fostering innovation while safeguarding against potential harms in the digital age.