InfoSecBulletin Cybersecurity for mankind
Bangladesh plans to spend Tk192.66 crore to make a national hub for artificial intelligence (AI) to train new AI experts. Most of the money will come from a grant by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (Koica).
The project, titled “Fostering Innovative Technology Experts with a Focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Bangladesh”, will be implemented by the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority (BHTPA) under the ICT Division between July 2026 and December 2029.
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Of the total cost, Tk159 crore will come from Koica and Tk33.66 crore from the government.
The project plans to create a new AI Hub Center, design AI courses, improve partnerships between schools and companies, help new businesses, and provide jobs around the world.
The project aims to train 865 experts in AI and digital technology, create 30 AI startups, publish 10 AI research papers, and reach an 80% job rate for trainees. It also offers Korean language lessons for 230 people and builds up the AI hub.
The ICT Division recently urged the Planning Commission to quickly approve the project’s Technical Assistance Project Proposal (TAPP), warning that delays could jeopardise Koica’s proposed $13 million grant.
According to an official letter, the project proposal was sent to the Planning Commission and the Economic Relations Division (ERD) on 1 December 2025, but approval is still pending. As a result, the ERD and Koica have been unable to sign the required Record of Discussion (RoD) and Terms of Reference (ToR).
The ICT Division said Koica is reviewing its project portfolio and considers signed RoDs and ToRs essential for funding decisions. The ERD has also cautioned that delays could put the grant at risk.
Project papers say Bangladesh is at an important point in changing to digital systems. There is a high need for ICT and AI skills, much more than what is available now. AI is seen as a key focus in the National AI Policy 2024, but current institutions do not have the facilities or skills for better training and research.
The planned AI hub would help fill the skills gap, encourage new ideas and businesses, and make Bangladesh a better place for technology investors.
The plan expands on the government’s bigger high-tech park idea. Bangladesh has set up software parks in Agrabad, Chattogram, and Jashore. There are also IT training and startup centers in Natore, Rajshahi, Kuet, and Cuet. Big projects like Kaliakoir, Sylhet, and Rajshahi Hi-Tech Parks are working or being built.
