Dhaka seeks ‘$250m’ ADB loan for Bangla AI, cybersecurity

Résumé détaillé

Bangladesh has sought funds from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), with potential co-financing from South Korea, for an indicative $250 million programme to develop the country’s…

Bangladesh has sought funds from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), with potential co-financing from South Korea, for an indicative $250 million programme to develop the country’s first native Bangla-language artificial intelligence (AI) model, strengthen cybersecurity, and establish technology villages.

A high-level delegation led by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury explored cooperation in Bangla-language AI, computing infrastructure, and practical applications at meetings with leading South Korean technology firms during his visit to Seoul earlier this month.

Asked about the matter, Qingfeng Zhang, ADB country director for Bangladesh, told The Daily Star on Monday, “ADB and the government are discussing an indicative $250 million programme.”

The programme covers AI, cybersecurity and technology villages, building on ongoing engagement and Khosru’s recent visit to Korea, he said.

“The financing structure and implementation schedule are still being developed,” Zhang said, adding that the government is expected to submit a consolidated funding request by mid-December.

Preparation of a cybersecurity project is already advancing, with the ADB targeting approval in 2027. Investments in AI and technology villages could follow in phases, subject to technical studies, project preparation and consultations with potential Korean partners, he said.

An approval date for the full package has yet to be agreed and will depend on project readiness and the approval processes of the government and the ADB, he said.

The proposed investments build on the ADB’s technical assistance for Bangladesh’s digital economy, which includes feasibility studies, institutional capacity building and preparation of future projects, Zhang said.

He also said that the Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM) had expressed interest in this regard, creating an opportunity to explore cofinancing.

Début de l'article, extrait de The Daily Star. Pour lire la suite, ouvrez l'article chez le média.