Tk 500 crore proposed for AI sector, electronics industry

The government considers artificial intelligence, the electronics industry and the innovative capabilities of young people as key drivers of national development and modernisation. The proposed budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year has allocated Tk 500 crore for implementing AI-based development plans and creating new entrepreneurs in the IT sector.

The government sees artificial intelligence as a major opportunity for the country's development and modernisation. Initiatives have been taken to build smart cities using AI technology, make citizen services more user-friendly, and prepare the younger generation for the future workplace by incorporating AI into the education system.

The new budget, the first full budget of the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, was presented in the National Parliament on Thursday afternoon, June 11. Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury presented the budget.

According to the Ministry of Finance, the budget for 2026-27 includes plans to utilise the skills, creativity and innovative power of young people to create startups, freelancing and AI-based entrepreneurs. Additionally, plans have been announced to make decision-making processes more effective and dynamic through the use of AI-powered data centres in government statistics and service delivery.

The budget also highlighted improving the quality of citizen services, increasing efficiency in administrative activities, and ensuring transparency and accountability through increased use of artificial intelligence.

According to the government, these initiatives will play an important role in transforming Bangladesh into an innovation-driven, technology-rich and modern state. The proposed Tk 500 crore fund for the next fiscal year will be spent on startup development, creating women entrepreneurs, women's development, and creating young entrepreneurs to harness the potential of the IT sector.