AI Readiness Assessment and Tailored Training Module Design for Administrative Officers of the Government of Bangladesh
A recent study by the Data and Design Lab at the University of Dhaka, funded by the BIAM Foundation Research Center, examines the preparedness of Bangladeshi administrative officers for the age of artificial intelligence (AI). As AI becomes increasingly important for modernizing public service delivery and keeping pace with global developments, administrative officers—the primary implementers of government policies—must be equipped to use these technologies effectively. However, generic AI training does not address the domain-specific needs of Bangladeshi administrative officers, and the country currently lacks comprehensive AI policies, operational guidelines, and structured training frameworks.
The study assessed officers’ AI readiness, identified barriers to AI adoption, and developed an evidence-based, tailored AI training module. Using a mixed-methods approach that combined surveys, in-depth interviews, group discussions, and field observations, the research found that officers possess moderate AI literacy and are at a developing stage of AI readiness. The principal barrier to adoption is not a lack of interest but the absence of policy direction, accountability mechanisms, and data security protocols. Although many officers are already using AI informally, the lack of official guidance exposes public institutions to risks, particularly concerning data privacy.
These findings underscore the urgent need for a national AI governance framework that defines acceptable use, accountability, and data protection standards. Differences in infrastructure readiness between senior officials and field-level officers also point to the need for targeted investments in digital infrastructure and practical capacity-building initiatives. To address these gaps, the study developed and validated a Tailored AI Training Module that reflects the realities of Bangladeshi administrative work by integrating practical AI skills with governance, ethics, and accountability. Together, the proposed governance framework and tailored training provide a roadmap for the responsible adoption of AI in the public sector, helping Bangladesh reduce risks, strengthen institutional capacity, and advance toward a more efficient, responsive, and data-driven public administration.