The Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Huq, along with State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology Junaid Ahmed Palak, emphasized the significance of legislation to regulate the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Bangladesh. This initiative aligns with the country's vision of becoming a Smart Nation by 2041, as outlined by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Huq reassured stakeholders that efforts were underway to establish AI laws to mitigate any negative consequences, while Palak highlighted recent incidents of AI misuse, underscoring the necessity of effective regulation in the digital realm.

The stakeholder meeting held at the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) building in Agargaon brought together representatives from various ministries, government departments, offices, and organizations. The meeting, organized by the Department of Information and Communication Technology, aimed to solicit feedback from stakeholders for the drafting process of AI legislation.

Huq emphasized the government's commitment to inclusive lawmaking and the importance of consulting stakeholders in the legislative process. He mentioned that initial drafts of the AI legislation had already been discussed with stakeholders and that the current meeting aimed to incorporate their feedback into the drafting process. The finalized draft of the AI law is expected to be completed by September, following further consultations.

Huq stressed the inevitability of AI legislation given the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence but advocated for a balanced approach, suggesting that the initial legislation should offer flexibility while maintaining robust regulatory measures. He also emphasized the need for alignment between AI laws and policies, asserting that laws must reflect existing policy frameworks to be effective.

Palak echoed the importance of AI in addressing risks and harnessing its potential but cited recent incidents of AI misuse, such as the circulation of fake images on social media, as evidence of the necessity of effective regulation in the digital realm. This underscores the urgency of implementing AI laws to safeguard against misuse and ensure responsible AI development in Bangladesh.