Bangladesh has signed a $13 million grant agreement with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). The deal will fund a new program to train technology experts, with a strong focus on artificial intelligence (AI).

Officials signed the agreement yesterday at a ceremony in Dhaka. The signing covered two key documents: the Record of Discussion (RoD) and the Terms of Reference (TOR). Both documents outline a project called “Fostering Innovative Technology Experts with a Focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Bangladesh.”

Who Will Run the Project

The Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority will implement the project. This authority operates under the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division. KOICA will provide the full $13 million grant to support the effort.

The project will run for three years, from 2026 to 2029.

What the Project Aims to Achieve

The program has a clear goal: build a strong foundation of AI knowledge among Bangladeshi tech professionals. This training will help local workers keep pace with the fast-changing global IT industry.

Beyond individual skills, the project also aims to:

• Strengthen ties between industry and academia
• Help tech professionals apply advanced technology to real-world problems
• Encourage AI-based solutions for local and national challenges
• Support Bangladesh’s long-term, sustainable economic growth

The Economic Relations Division (ERD) shared these details in a recent press release.

Boosting Jobs at Home and Abroad

The project won’t just build skills — it will also open doors. Through advanced technical training and industry-focused development, the program aims to improve job opportunities for Bangladeshi professionals both locally and internationally. This includes potential opportunities in South Korea itself.

Who Attended the Signing Ceremony

Several senior officials attended the ceremony in Dhaka, including:

• Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky, ERD Secretary
• Md Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan, ICT Division Secretary
• Senior officials from both the Bangladesh government and KOICA

Two officials signed the actual agreement. Masuma Akter, Additional Secretary and Wing Chief for Asia, JEC and F&F at ERD, signed on behalf of the Bangladesh government. Jihoon Kim, KOICA Country Director, signed on behalf of the South Korean agency.

What This Means for Bangladesh’s Future

This grant marks an important step for Bangladesh’s growing AI ecosystem. By training skilled professionals and strengthening links between academia and industry, the project should help position Bangladesh as a stronger player in the global tech landscape.

According to the ERD press release, this collaboration between Bangladesh and South Korea reflects a shared commitment to building a future-ready workforce — one equipped to handle the challenges and opportunities of an AI-driven world.

Source: The Daily Star