Policies must be developed with ‘digital sovereignty’ in mind

Recently, the French government has made the decision to cease the use of US-owned platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft’s Meet, along with other similar "online video conferencing platforms" within government offices. The decision indicates that France aims to eliminate the use of video conferencing software from the US or any foreign nation across all levels of government and the private sector by the year 2027. Officials stated that numerous sensitive and significant state matters are being discussed on these platforms, and the data from these discussions is stored on US servers, which compromises France’s digital sovereignty. Simultaneously, it was announced that France will spearhead efforts to promote the implementation of a coordinated 'digital sovereignty' policy among European Union member states. In a related development, another European nation, Austria, has declared its intention to gradually phase out the use of Microsoft’s Office software, opting instead to adopt its own Office suite universally. This decision has been made by the royal family.

In this context, the opulent monarchy of Saudi Arabia has advanced its initiatives. As part of the execution of the national policy termed 'Sovereign AI', two US-based chatbot AI service providers, Open AI and Grok, have entered into an agreement to deliver services via the servers of Saudi Arabia's local AI firm 'Human'. According to this agreement, the two American companies have been catering to Saudi Arabian users utilizing the data center established in Dammam since May 2025. The Saudi authorities have devised an AI management system with the assistance of their AI department experts, ensuring that even foreign platforms are prohibited from transferring their data outside the Saudi Arabian servers. This stands as a prime example of digital sovereignty at present. The 'India Impact Summit 2026' took place in the Indian capital, Delhi, from February 16 to 20. Over 100 heads of state, 60 ministers, and more than 500 international AI specialists attended this summit. On the final day of the summit, India's IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnav unveiled India AI Mission 2.0. He described the mission's objective as the establishment of a sovereign AI system for India. If we consider additional examples of state initiatives aimed at constructing digital sovereignty, the names of Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, and several other nations come to mind. In the current global landscape, there is no substitute for developing 'sovereign AI' or self-regulated AI infrastructure in the pursuit of digital sovereignty. This reality has prompted various countries worldwide to prioritize this issue. Many individuals possess a basic understanding of digital sovereignty or sovereign AI. However, it is essential to recognize that, beyond the virtual realm, the most valuable asset in the tangible world is now 'data'. In the digital sphere, users across various platforms generate vast amounts of data daily, which are wielded like instruments to exert control or dominance in the physical world. Consequently, different nations are constructing data systems that remain under their control.

Currently, a question may arise regarding the examples of the countries mentioned earlier, which are nations with relatively advanced economies. Does Bangladesh share a similar situation? Indeed, it does. The case of Sri Lanka serves as a pertinent example. In my view, Bangladesh possesses even greater potential. This is evident from the performance of certain local companies in the telecommunications and information technology sectors. The manner in which entrepreneurs have demonstrated their capabilities despite facing stringent government regulations and significant competition from foreign firms is a far superior example compared to Sri Lanka. The establishment of an extensive transmission network throughout the country by local investors and entrepreneurs, the provision of broadband internet services to rural areas, the construction of tier three data centers, the supply of IoT software technology to nations such as Japan, and the establishment of factories for smartphone production through our own initiatives all underscore our vast potential. It is incorrect to claim that nothing has transpired in recent years; such dismissals are unfounded. If no progress had been made, how would we be utilizing 4G internet services? How is broadband being accessed in rural communities? The truth is that while the network infrastructure was relatively well-developed during the period of the previous Awami League government, the digital service infrastructure and service-oriented projects that were initiated have largely remained unfulfilled promises. For instance, although tier four data centers have been constructed, their management has been so ineffective that they have failed to achieve any significance at the national level. In contrast, the tier three data center established by private entrepreneurs at a lower cost is more reliable in terms of digital security than the government's tier four facilities.

It has earned significant trust. Over five hundred applications have been developed at the governmental level due to unrealistic perceptions, which have ultimately been curtailed. Initiatives like 'Learning Earning' or similar endeavors have not contributed to the development of skilled labor in the IT industry. The state-owned telecommunications firms have experienced the most significant setbacks during the Awami League administration. BTCL, Teletalk, BSCCL, Cable Industry Company, and Telephone Industry Company have consistently made headlines for corruption. Consequently, these institutions have persistently faced deterioration. BTCL has essentially become a breeding ground for ministers from the relevant government ministries, bureaucrats, some unscrupulous officials within the company, and a few foreign vendor companies to amass substantial profits in a short period. A staggering 95 percent of BTCL's projects have been associated with corruption allegations. Teletalk has never managed to achieve self-sufficiency; it remains an institution plagued by perpetual corruption! BSCCL remains profitable due to the absence of market competition! In truth, private ITC companies struggle to survive. When a private submarine cable company emerges, the internal dynamics of this company become readily apparent. The management is exceedingly opaque. Evidence of this is that after acquiring the Sea-Me-We-6 project, it has since vanished. A recurring narrative suggests that the American contractor responsible for laying cables in the sea is unable to proceed due to concerns regarding Yemeni maritime boundaries, and there is also no designated location for the Singapore landing station. Moreover, there appears to be no resolution to this issue; the old tale continues without conclusion! Nevertheless, these state-owned enterprises possess invaluable resources. If these resources are effectively harnessed, the landscape of the nation's telecommunications and information technology sector could transform.

During the previous interim government, there was an expectation that the irregularities that took place in these companies during the Awami League period would be thoroughly investigated, and the establishment of professional management would commence. However, in reality, the then Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor suggested halting the investigation into the BTCL corrupt project from the Awami League era and insisted on the immediate release of project funds to him! The rationale behind this is quite straightforward. Subsequently, he rapidly formulated one policy after another in his own manner, leading to the hurried issuance of ordinances. This situation can only be described as a chaotic state within the telecommunications and information technology sector. In truth, his intentions were different. To grasp this, we must examine the three foreign-owned mobile operators. In this subcontinent, Telenor has exited Pakistan and has also withdrawn from Myanmar. In Bangladesh, Grameenphone has been engaging in various activities for an extended period. Banglalink has been seeking a buyer for several more years. Robi is attempting to decrease investment in its core business while expanding certain 'side businesses'. Essentially, the recently departed Special Assistant undertook the significant responsibility of enhancing the 'exit value' of these companies. This is why Value Chen is facilitating business opportunities for mobile operators at all levels through the so-called policies he has devised. Now, the question arises: why do these companies wish to depart? They are aware that in the future landscape of information technology, the current model will not present substantial business opportunities. The swift initiatives of local private companies in Bangladesh to enhance their capabilities do not convey a positive outlook for the future of their enterprises. It is indeed true that, whether today or tomorrow, every nation will develop its own controlled digital infrastructure, operational frameworks, and service delivery systems in response to the demands of reality.

This is the reason Telenor has been withdrawing from numerous countries globally and concentrating on enhancing its capacity in Norway and its neighboring nations since 2016. Vion has nearly tripled its investment to boost capacity throughout Europe. Consequently, it is not uncommon for a European citizen to assume the responsibility of augmenting the 'exit value' of European firms after assuming office in Bangladesh. In this context, it is important to note that the Malaysian firm Axiata has been seeking new investment opportunities in the future landscape by cutting costs in its older ventures for approximately a decade. The so-called policies of the Special Assistant are also beneficial for them! As a result, these companies have been operating with the mindset of how much profit they can generate in a short period, and they will persist in this approach moving forward. Establishing a robust digital infrastructure for Bangladesh does not align with their profit motives, hence they will refrain from undertaking such initiatives. The policymakers of the new government must actively consider these matters and make subsequent policy decisions. In light of the evolving reality, priority should be given to establishing a digital sovereign management framework for the future, founded on the collaboration between state-owned enterprises and domestic private investors. For this reason, state-owned telecommunications firms must be swiftly liberated from bureaucratic oversight. In this regard, a timely policy should be formulated for the entire telecommunications and information technology sector, prioritizing the development of 'sovereign AI' management and infrastructure as the foremost objective. Instead of relying on former top executives from foreign companies, guidance should be sought from domestic entrepreneurs who, through their relentless efforts, have established competent infrastructure, data centers, factories, and have exported software to developed nations. This approach will enable the country to implement suitable policies that meet the demands of the current era. Hopefully, the policymakers of the new democratic government will take these considerations into account.

Rased Mehedi, Telecommunications and Information Technology Sector Analyst, Editor, Views Bangladesh