State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak emphasised the importance of technological self-reliance to address the challenges posed by the fourth industrial revolution (4IR).
"We aim to build our capabilities using our own technology, keeping in tune with the advancements in the developed world," he remarked.
"We do not want to get left behind in the global progress with the fourth industrial revolution. To achieve this, we will cultivate a generation of skilled and intelligent individuals proficient in cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and machine learning. This smart generation will develop a knowledge-rich and advanced Smart Bangladesh."
The state minister made the remarks at the inauguration ceremony of the nationally developed AI-based GPT platform 'G-Brain ' at the Computer Council Auditorium of ICT Tower in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Wednesday.
G-Brain, developed nationally using own unique toolsets, integrates the three critical GPTs—ConstitutionGPT, BudgetGPT, and StartupGPT—reflecting the commitment towards building a Smart Bangladesh. This initiative is spearheaded by the ICT Division under the Ministry for Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology.
"Today, we launched the AI-based GPT platform 'G-Brain' (www.G-Brain bd.ai)," said Palak. "In the future, it will be migrated to and hosted at our National Data Center, where it will be regularly updated to become more user-friendly. To achieve that, this initiative has been developed through collaborative public-private-academia partnerships.
He added that the government's goals and plans will be implemented through the strategic application of AI. "To reach the vision of a Smart Bangladesh and cultivate a smart generation, G-Brain will soon expand to include more GPTs focused on education, health, investment, and the ADP."
Palak mentioned that discussions have already taken place with the education ministry to integrate AI education at lower to higher secondary levels. Additionally, he noted that an AI law is being formulated in collaboration with the law ministry to address the potential risks associated with artificial intelligence.
The state minister expressed that data is the most valuable resource in today's world of 4IR and that using that data, AI, or generative AI, has recently changed the world's scenario.
"Today, those countries or organisations are richer with data and technology, and they are prospering at a faster pace," he explained.
He also noted that Bangladesh has recently set up its own data centre using Oracle's cloud, where all the data of the country and its citizens are stored safely.
State Minister Palak warned that any institution, country, or nation unable to adapt to the transformative shifts of the 4IR risks being left behind, emphasising, "We are moving towards realising this goal."
Under the chairmanship of Bangladesh Computer Council Executive Director Ranajit Kumar, ICT Division Secretary Md Shamsul Arefin, Bangladesh University Board of Trustees Chairman Quazi Jamil Azhar, Orion Informatics Chairman Architect Iqbal Habib, among others, also spoke at the ceremony.
