Administrative Reform in Bangladesh Civil Service in the Era of Artificial Intelligence

Administrative reform emerged as a recurrent phenomenon that indicates “the induced systematic improvement of public sector operational performance” (Caiden, 1991). The major propositions of reform initiatives include the reorganization of structures, processes, and practices within it. The other concurrent concept of “Artificial Intelligence” (AI) points toward the simulation of human intelligence performed through machines (i.e., computer systems) and automation processes (McCarthy, 2007). Artificial Intelligence stepped up a new trajectory in the governance dynamics of administration with the inclusion of algorithmic-based accountability for accomplishing tasks through AI technologies (Engstrom & Ho, 2020). In the traditional practices of governance, administrative functions were attributed to formalism and hierarchical compliance (Peters & Pierre, 2001). Gradually, the government mobilized the application of ICT tools toward the modernization of public services and adopted various initiatives in the field of e-governance to ensure the simplification of services by reducing the cost, number of visits, and time (Islam & Rahman, 2020). However, with the widespread market functions and trade liberalization, the concentration of reform initiatives tends to managerial functions, business, and partnership approaches in public service delivery (Islam, 2024). There has been a shift in concentration in governance due to the digital revolution toward the utilization of Artificial Intelligence for speeding up the administrative functions of the government (Mukherjee, 2022). Realizing the resurgence of AI, the Bangladesh government developed a “National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence” (2020–2024) with some priority sectoral coverage that included “public service delivery, manufacturing, agriculture, smart mobility and transportation, skill and education, finance and trade, and health”. In this strategy, the road map of the Bangladesh government shows a gradual path from 2020 to 2024 in completing innovation in AI, industrialization, AI start-ups, data-driven policies, workforce preparedness, and so on (ICT Division, 2020). Recently, a draft of the National Artificial Intelligence Policy 2024 was promulgated to transform smart Bangladesh by leveraging AI technologies to promote the overall development of the country. The policy intertwined with the strengthening of administrative assistance through the AI system (ICT Division, 2024). In the era of AI, the inherited administrative setup of the Bangladesh government needs to be reinvigorated so that the reform agenda can be exerted toward the upliftment of administrative and managerial functions.