First AI platform for Bengali language launched

Bangladesh has launched its first artificial intelligence–based platform dedicated to the Bengali language, named Kagoj.ai. Alongside it, a new Bengali font called “July” has also been officially introduced.

The formal inauguration took place at Hotel InterContinental in Dhaka, at an event organised by the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division on Monday, December 15.

Fayez Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser responsible for the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, inaugurated the platforms.

Shish Haider Chowdhury, Secretary of the ICT Division chaired the event.

Speaking as the chief guest, Fayez Ahmad Taiyeb said that around 4,000 users had tested Kagoj.ai over the past two weeks with positive results. To ensure wider access, the platform’s API will be made publicly available, and its source code will also be opened while maintaining cyber security standards.

He emphasized the importance of preserving linguistic and cultural diversity, announcing plans to collect 10,000 minutes of oral language data from each ethnic community. A Bengali Large Language Model (LLM) will be developed to help protect and sustain local languages in the digital space.

He further noted that increased use of the platform would help identify challenges more quickly, accelerating development and improving the overall ecosystem.

According to organizers, Kagoj.ai will support Bengali-language writing, official document preparation, language processing, and AI-driven content creation. This marks a major milestone in the digital advancement of Bengali, as no such comprehensive AI platform previously existed for the language.

The newly launched July font has been designed specifically for official and institutional use and is expected to address several limitations of existing computer-based Bengali typing systems.

The event was attended by Professor Dr. Mohammad Azam, Director General of Bangla Academy; Zahirul Islam, Additional Secretary of the Posts and Telecommunications Division; senior government officials, technology experts, and invited guests.

Both Kagoj.ai and the July font were developed under the project “Enrichment of the Bengali Language in Information Technology through Research and Development,” implemented by the Bangladesh Computer Council under the ICT Division.

AAH/MHK