Bangladesh is rapidly advancing in its technology transformation journey, despite starting later than many global peers. As leading local companies implement ERP systems, cloud solutions, enterprise data platforms, and business intelligence, there is a growing urgency to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). The telecommunications sector has emerged as an early adopter of AI in Bangladesh, setting a benchmark for other industries to follow. By integrating AI into existing systems, Bangladeshi businesses can unlock new levels of operational efficiency, enhance customer experience, and drive business optimization, securing a competitive edge in the digital era.
AI’s transformative potential spans multiple business domains. It enables personalised user experiences by tailoring interactions to individual preferences, boosting customer satisfaction and loyalty. Mature AI models improve accuracy and consistency, reducing errors and building trust in automation. Additionally, AI streamlines operations by automating repetitive tasks, freeing employees to focus on strategic activities, thus enhancing productivity and cutting operational costs. It also fosters agile innovation, allowing businesses to develop new, high-impact products and services rapidly, generating significant value.
The “Firm to Factory” model in Bangladesh exemplifies AI’s role in modernising agriculture and manufacturing, facilitating a seamless transition from crop cultivation to finished products. Precision farming powered by AI-driven data analytics enhances crop yields and optimises resource use, leading to efficient production cycles that fuel economic growth. This integration improves product quality, sustainability, and competitiveness, while ensuring compliance with environmental standards—a vital advantage in both local and international markets.
In the textile sector—one of Bangladesh’s flagship industries—AI adoption offers substantial benefits. Demand prediction algorithms help optimise inventory management and reduce waste. Advanced technologies like 3D image processing and augmented/virtual reality enable customised garment designs, meeting global consumer preferences for personalised products. AI also enhances manufacturing precision and flexibility, supporting trends such as small-batch, fast-to-market production. This agility helps textile firms respond quickly to market demands, streamline operations, and elevate customer satisfaction through on-demand customisation and improved product availability.
The pharmaceutical industry in Bangladesh stands to gain from AI-driven improvements as well. AI can automate manual quality control and reconciliation processes, reducing human error and ensuring stricter regulatory compliance. Predictive maintenance and AI-assisted regulatory oversight can maintain high production standards. Moreover, personalised patient engagement enabled by AI tailors treatment plans based on individual health data. These advances have the potential to enhance medication safety, optimise drug formulations, and accelerate drug discovery, positioning Bangladesh’s pharma sector as a competitive global player.
For Bangladesh to realise these AI benefits fully, concerted efforts are required across both private and public sectors. The private sector must lead in adopting and innovating AI technologies, while the public sector should support with robust policy frameworks and infrastructure development. Collaboration between these sectors will be key to aligning with international standards and securing Bangladesh’s leadership in the evolving global digital landscape.
This article is based on the opening remarks by the chairman of Financial Excellence Ltd. at a recent AI conference held at Brac University and organised by Brand Forum.
