Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology’s Institute of Appropriate Technology organised a seminar titled Education, Research and Development in the AI Era at BUET in Dhaka on Monday.
The event brought together policymakers, academics, engineers, researchers and students to discuss the transformative role of artificial intelligence in education, research, innovation and national development, said a press release.
Water resources minister Md Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee attended as chief guest at the seminar, which was presided over by BUET vice-chancellor Professor Eqramul Hoque.
Professor Abdul Hasib Chowdhury, BUET pro-VC, and Professor Md Sabbir Mostafa Khan, general secretary of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, attended as special guests at the seminar.
The keynote lecture was delivered by Professor Rafiqul Gani, adjunct professor of IAT-BUET and CEO of PSE for SPEED Company Ltd.
He highlighted the growing role of AI in problem-solving, knowledge generation, innovation and sustainable development, emphasising the need to use AI as a tool to augment human capabilities rather than replace them.
Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee underscored the potential of AI in addressing national challenges, particularly in water resources management, climate resilience, infrastructure development and evidence-based policymaking.
Professor Eqramul Hoque emphasised BUET’s commitment to advancing AI-driven education, interdisciplinary research and innovation.
A reception was also held in honour of four former directors of IAT—Professor Iqbal Mahmud, Professor Nooruddin Ahmed, Professor Mohammad Nurul Islam and Professor M Kamal Uddin—for their contributions to the growth and development of the Institute.
