New Delhi: With the aim of developing its first homegrown Bengali-language artificial intelligence model, Bangladesh has sought an indicative $250 million programme from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The programme will also focus on strengthening cybersecurity and establishing technology villages, according to a report in Bangladeshi newspaper The Daily Star. South Korea is expected to potentially co-fund the initiative.
ADB Country Director for Bangladesh Qinfeng Zhang told the newspaper that the bank and the Bangladesh government are discussing the proposed programme, with its financing structure and implementation schedule still being worked out, the report added.
Zhang said a cybersecurity project was already being prepared and was awaiting approval in 2027. Investments in AI and technology villages could be taken up in phases, subject to technical studies, project preparation and consultations with potential South Korean partners.
The proposed investments would build on ADB’s existing technical assistance for Bangladesh’s digital economy. The Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM) has also expressed interest in co-financing the initiative. However, the existing ADB-Korea framework has yet to finalise the proposed AI-related investments in Bangladesh.
According to the report by The Daily Star, the discussions come after a high-level Bangladeshi delegation, led by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, visited Seoul earlier this month. During the visit, the delegation explored opportunities in Bengali-language AI development, computing infrastructure and practical applications through meetings with prominent South Korean technology companies.
Zhang also explored potential cooperation with LG AI Research and FuriosaAI to support the development of Bangla-language models, AI computing and the upgrading and repurposing of existing national data centres.
A Bengali Large Language Model (LLM) could draw on the experience of other regional models, such as EXAONE, developed by South Korea’s LG AI Research. The delegation also examined specialised chips developed by FuriosaAI, which could help make AI processing more cost- and energy-efficient.
“The objective is to build lasting capabilities in Bangladesh. Connecting infrastructure and technology with local skills, institutions, and practical applications that benefit people and businesses,” Zhang said.
He said locally developed AI could improve services in healthcare, education, agriculture and public administration, while helping businesses with production, logistics and market access.
Partnerships between South Korean companies, Bangladeshi universities and technology villages could also support practical training and research and development (R&D), enabling local businesses to move into higher-value activities beyond garment production.
Zhang added that cooperation could strengthen cybersecurity, data governance and responsible AI adoption. ADB’s Korea-backed Center for AI Innovation and Development could contribute technical expertise, project design and talent development.
He said Bangladesh’s young workforce and digital ambitions, combined with South Korea’s technological expertise, industrial experience and financing, could help boost productivity, create skilled employment and diversify the country’s economy.
ADB officials described the Seoul visit as the first international outreach to attract investment for Bangladesh’s Integrated Growth Network Development (IGND) initiative.
The proposed Bengali-language AI model is intended to improve data processing and digital service delivery across both the public and private sectors.
(Edited by Anupama Yadav)
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