“Efforts underway to formulate AI laws to mitigate negative impact”

“Efforts underway to formulate AI laws to mitigate negative impact”

Dhaka, Apr 04 - Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Huq has said, efforts are underway to establish AI laws to mitigate any negative consequences and so there is nothing to be afraid of despite benefits and drawbacks of AI.  

He noted 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.

Moreover, the Minister emphasized the need for alignment between AI laws and policies, asserting that laws must reflect existing policy frameworks to be effective.

He was addressing a stakeholder meeting on Thursday at the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) office at Agargaon in the city.

The Minister has emphasized the significance of legislation to regulate the use of Artificial Intelligence in realizing the vision of a Smart Bangladesh, including Smart Generation by 2041, as outlined by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Highlighting the government's commitment to inclusive lawmaking, Huq emphasized the importance of consulting stakeholders in the legislative process. 

The finalized draft of the AI law is slated for completion by September this year, following further consultations.

In his address, State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology Junaid Ahmed Palak echoed the importance of AI in addressing risks and harnessing its potential.

Palak cited recent incidents of AI misuse, such as the circulation of fake images on social media, underscoring the necessity of effective regulation in the digital realm. 

The meeting, organized by the Department of Information and Communication Technology, saw participation from representatives of various ministries, government departments, offices, and organizations, alongside other stakeholders. -UNB