Bangladesh has announced plans to establish a sovereign artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure within the next year, aiming to build domestic capabilities for developing and managing AI technologies. At an AI and Innovation Dialogue held in Dhaka on October 8, Rehan Asif Asad, the Prime Minister’s Adviser for ICT and Telecommunications, outlined the government’s vision for a computing facility designed to serve universities, startups, private companies, and students. The focus will be on developing Large Language Models (LLMs) tailored to the Bangla language and creating AI-based services.

The proposed initiative includes acquiring advanced computing hardware, with particular interest in Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), essential for AI workloads. However, experts emphasize that achieving AI sovereignty extends beyond hardware acquisition. It requires a nation to maintain control over the data, computing infrastructure, and intellectual resources necessary to operate AI systems independently and according to its specific needs.

While Bangladesh does not aim to manufacture all underlying technologies such as microchips or develop original AI models from scratch—a challenge even for highly advanced countries—it seeks to build capacity to manage and update AI systems domestically. Starting with a smaller, modular data center rather than an extensive infrastructure aligns with this phased approach, though officials recognize that achieving full AI sovereignty will take longer than the initial one-year timeline suggests.

The geopolitical context plays a significant role in shaping Bangladesh’s AI strategy. As global powers like the United States and China vie for dominance in AI development through competing groups such as the U.S.-led Pax Silica initiative and the China-backed World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO), Bangladesh faces the complex task of navigating relations with both. The country maintains strong economic ties with the U.S., a major export market, and China, its largest supplier of imported goods. Yet, government officials stress the importance of preserving an independent AI agenda, free from overreliance on either bloc.

One critical challenge identified is the dependency on a limited number of foreign companies that produce advanced GPUs and AI models. Experts warn against entering procurement agreements that lock public institutions into exclusive use of specific vendors’ hardware or software, advocating instead for interoperable and replaceable systems. Without such flexibility, Bangladesh risks owning the equipment but lacking real operational control.

Developing human capital is another key concern. While the country annually graduates computer science and engineering students, relatively few have expertise in the specialized areas required for AI model development, adaptation, and security. To address this, the government plans to involve universities, research institutions, and technology firms in creating practical training programs and hopes to engage top professionals from the Bangladeshi diaspora.

Infrastructure considerations also loom large. AI data centers demand substantial and reliable electricity and cooling, which current national grids may not fully support. Officials suggest that dedicated power generation with renewable sources and sustainable, water-efficient cooling systems will be essential to maintain stable operations without straining local resources.

The forthcoming National AI Policy for 2026-2030 is expected to provide concrete measures addressing infrastructure development, data protection, transparent procurement, and workforce training. While establishing AI sovereignty is a long-term undertaking, Bangladesh’s initial steps, if grounded in strategic planning and cross-sector collaboration, could pave the way toward greater technological self-reliance.