Formulate national AI policy: ICAB

Speakers have stressed on the formulation of a national policy for Artificial Intelligence to address any possible threat in everyday life.

They came up with the call at a virtual webinar titled “The economic, social and political impact of artificial intelligence” organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB) on Saturday.

Mentioning that AI was no longer just a technological issue, the experts warned that although AI has the potential to help billions of people, it might also bring some challenges for both citizens and governments.

Artificial intelligence might help to amass wealth and widen the inequalities among people, as many will lose their jobs, Akhter Matin Chaudhury FCA, former chairman and managing director of Nuvista Pharma, said while presenting the keynote paper of the webinar.

To address the possible threat from AI, the paper recommended a number of measures, including the formulation of a national AI strategy, AI-based education in the national curriculum, and redefining personal freedom and civil liberties, among others.

“The digital revolution has already changed the lifestyle of the people, the way of working, and modes of communication, said NM Zeaul Alam PAA, senior secretary at Information and Communication Technology Division, as chief guest.

In the past, every new technology ultimately produced more jobs and also delivered important gains, such as higher living standards; longer lives; better communications; rising productivity and economic growth, he added.

“AI will transform our work, our lives, and our society. Whether the outcome is inclusive or exclusive, the technology must help make the digital revolution happen,” said ICAB President Mahmudul Hasan Khusru FCA.

Artificial intelligence is probably the sector that will expand the most across society and the economy in coming years, he added.

ICAB Vice President Maria Howlader FCA, in her closing remarks said, the ICT industry in Bangladesh has also experienced tremendous growth in the last couple of years.

“Our e-commerce sector has rapidly expanded with mobile financial services and the huge adoption drive triggered by the pandemic,” she said, adding that Bangladesh has already successfully launched its very own satellite into space.

Munir Hasan, head of youth programme and events at The Daily Prothom Alo, Anir Chowdhury, policy advisor at a2i ICTD; Bikarna Kumar Ghosh, managing director of Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority, also participated in the webinar as panel speakers.

ICAB CEO Shubhashish Bose presented the introductory remarks at the webinar.

Kamrul Abedin FCA, member council and past president of ICAB, presided over the webinar as session chairman.