To those who knew him, Dr. Cookson was more than an expert -- he was a trusted voice, a mentor, and a steadfast ally. His passing is a profound loss, not only to those who had the privilege of knowing him personally, but also to Bangladesh, a country he served with dedication and genuine affection.
If Bangladesh treats artificial intelligence simply as another digital tool, it risks falling behind in a world where advantage increasingly rests on capability and commodified intelligence rather than labour alone.
Success depends on three commitments that cannot be deferred: Speed. Visible, funded action in year one. Not plans for action. Action. Resources. Specific, budgeted commitments, not proposals
Ultimately, the wisdom of “an egg today is better than a chicken tomorrow” is not a rejection of the future. It is a reminder that time, risk, and trust matter. The future must earn its value; it cannot merely be promised
