Govt Crafting Flexible AI Law to Encourage Innovation

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is set to train 1,000 IT engineers in Bangladesh to boost job opportunities in the country’s growing information and communication technology (ICT) sector. JICA's Chief Representative, Ichiguchi Tomohide, expressed the agency’s commitment to unlocking Bangladesh’s IT potential during a meeting with Md Nahid Islam, Adviser to the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology.

Bangladesh can collaborate with Malaysia to develop a sector supporting global semiconductor industries, which could significantly boost export earnings. Malaysia currently attracts attention in the semiconductor field but faces a shortage of skilled engineers, prompting it to hire foreign experts. The semiconductor industry comprises designing, engineering, and packaging, with Bangladesh capable of contributing to the first two and Malaysia excelling in packaging. The global semiconductor market is projected to exceed $1 trillion by 2030, presenting a substantial opportunity for both countries.

Despite investing Tk 65,000 crore in telecommunications and ICT from 2010 to August 2024 under the "Digital Bangladesh" initiative, Bangladesh has seen limited progress, according to Telecom and ICT Adviser Nahid Islam. The investment included Tk 25,000 crore for ICT and Tk 40,000 crore for post and telecommunications. 

The Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) has proposed direct involvement in automating tax-exemption certification and integrating VAT collection into the National Board of Revenue (NBR) system. In a meeting with NBR chairman Abdur Rahman Khan, BASIS called for the removal of the 100% cashless transaction requirement for ICT entrepreneurs.

Orion Group has filed two defamation lawsuits against Desh Television, each seeking Tk 500 crore in damages, following the airing of false reports on September 17 and 24, 2024. The lawsuits, submitted on September 25, accuse the network of broadcasting baseless allegations about Orion's six power plants and its flagship Jatrabari-Gulistan Flyover project. The reports claimed that Orion embezzled government funds, laundered money abroad, and failed to supply electricity. Despite a formal rejoinder and legal notice from Orion, Desh Television did not rectify the inaccuracies.

Prime Bank PLC has entered into a payroll banking agreement with Nippon Signal Bangladesh Private Ltd, enhancing banking services for the company's employees. This partnership will provide employees with preferential banking options, including credit card and loan facilities. Additionally, they will have access to PrimePay, a digital portal that facilitates seamless automated salary payments and corporate transactions around the clock.