Kazi Rafiqul Alam Calls for Investment in AI and Bangladesh’s Youth at 2026 World Bank Annual Meetings

Kazi Rafiqul Alam, Managing Director of Trust Group, attended the 2026 IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings, where he discussed the importance of artificial intelligence and urged greater investment in the future of Bangladesh’s youth.
Representing Trust Group, Alam highlighted the potential of AI to strengthen Bangladesh’s economic prospects by expanding opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship and skilled employment. He stressed that preparing young people for technological change should be a central priority in the country’s development agenda.
His remarks focused on the need to connect AI development with investment in people. Priorities included practical AI education, research opportunities and access to the digital infrastructure needed to develop and apply new technologies.
Alam called for greater cooperation among investors, development partners, educational institutions and the private sector to help young Bangladeshis acquire relevant skills and turn ideas into viable businesses. Investment in reliable connectivity, computing resources and accessible technology would help broaden participation in the emerging AI economy.
He emphasised that Bangladesh’s young population offers significant potential, provided that talent is supported with education, resources and opportunity. A forward-looking approach to AI, he argued, should enable young people to become creators of technology and contribute to the country’s long-term growth.
His message centred on a clear development priority: investing in AI infrastructure and the capabilities of Bangladesh’s youth to build a brighter, more inclusive economic future.