The Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised a seminar on “AI and Governance: Global Technology Architecture, National Digital Public Infrastructure and Policy Directives” on Thursday, 20 August 2026 at the BIISS Auditorium, Dhaka, a press release said. 

Md Ismail Zabihullah, Adviser to the Prime Minister, Ministry of Public Administration, attended the seminar as the chief guest. 

Major General a S M Ridwanur Rahman, awc, afwc, psc, G, Director General, BIISS, delivered the welcome address. 

The seminar was chaired by Major General Md Emdad Ul Bari, OSP, ndc, psc, te (retd), Chairman, Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission.  

The keynote presentation was delivered by Dr. Syed Muntasir Mamun, Director General, International Trade, Investment & Technology and ICT Wing, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. Ashfaq Zaman, Chief Strategist, Dhaka Forum Initiative, also delivered a presentation. 

An interactive open discussion followed the presentations, focusing on the opportunities and challenges associated with AI adoption, the role of local demand in shaping AI norms, and the evolving security landscape, including the growing role of AI in cyber operations and modern warfare. 

Major General A S M Ridwanur Rahman, awc, afwc, psc, G, Director General, BIISS, emphasized that innovation must remain people-centred and accountable, while highlighting Bangladesh’s active participation in global discussions on AI and the importance of ensuring that technological advancement serves public interests. Major General Md Emdad Ul Bari, OSP, ndc, psc, te (retd), Chairman, Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, emphasised the need for a national interoperability framework, clear data-consent mechanisms and transparent AI procurement standards, alongside Bangladesh’s active engagement in international AI and digital public infrastructure processes. 

The chief guest, Md Ismail Zabihullah, emphasized the need for caution in AI adoption, particularly regarding data privacy and consent, while stressing the importance of finalizing Bangladesh’s AI policy. 

He also highlighted the potential of AI to support government functions, including project formulation, planning and financial management. Senior officials from relevant ministries and government agencies, representatives of regulatory institutions, development partners, technology and financial sectors, members of academia, researchers, policy practitioners and students participated in the seminar.