Key questions surrounding the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into Bangladesh’s healthcare system took center stage on Saturday during a pivotal strategy dialogue held at United International University (UIU).
Organized by UIU’s Institute of Research, Innovation, Incubation, and Commercialization (IRIIC), the seminar—titled “Unlocking AI’s Potential in Life Sciences: A Policy Dialogue”—brought together a diverse panel of local and international experts to chart a strategic, ethical, and effective path for leveraging AI in healthcare.
The dialogue spotlighted Bangladesh’s ambition to #INVESTBANGLADESH, reinforcing its commitment to innovation-led growth in the health sector. This initiative reflects a broader momentum toward science-informed policymaking, a vision championed by organizations such as the Center for Science-Tech Policy & Diplomacy (CSTPD).
Moving beyond the hype, the session focused on the real-world challenges and practical steps required for implementing AI within the national healthcare landscape. Moderated by Dr. Khondaker Abdullah-Al-Mamun, Professor and Director of IRIIC at UIU, the discussion drew insights from a cross-section of voices—government, international organizations, academia, and the global tech industry.
Central to the conversation were thematic areas vital to building a robust and sustainable Health AI ecosystem. Experts examined how AI could be aligned with Bangladesh’s specific health priorities and explored the pressing need for data governance frameworks that ensure privacy, security, and responsible data use. The panel also discussed the importance of adaptive regulatory pathways that can evolve with the pace of innovation while safeguarding patient well-being.
The session featured distinguished speakers, including:
- Wu Jianbo, Secretary-General of the Green & Smart Energy Organization (GSEO), who shared perspectives on sustainable tech integration;
- Tanvir Kabir, Counsellor (Political) at the Bangladesh Embassy in Berlin, who offered diplomatic insights into global collaboration and policy alignment;
- Sanowar Hossain, Business Manager at CeGat GmbH in Tübingen, Germany;
- Dr. Sadman Sakib, Senior Genomics Scientist at Evotec SE in Hamburg and Co-founder/Director of CSTPD, provided a deep dive into the intersection of genomics, AI, and innovation policy.
Drawing from European and international experiences, the speakers outlined the challenges and opportunities in AI deployment—emphasizing not just technological potential, but also the policy, regulatory, and ethical foundations necessary for meaningful progress.
A recurring theme was the urgent need for ethical guidelines and proactive policies to steer the development of Health AI in ways that protect patient rights and foster public trust. Participants also emphasized the critical role of infrastructure investment and capacity-building to support Bangladesh’s transition into an AI-enabled healthcare future.
While the dialogue was not intended to produce immediate policy prescriptions, it marked a significant step in assembling thought leaders and stakeholders to frame the questions that will shape national strategy. The insights generated—particularly those tied to CSTPD’s mission—are expected to contribute meaningfully to ongoing efforts in designing a national roadmap for harnessing AI’s transformative power in healthcare.