Published: 03:45 PM, 16 June 2026
IAT-BUET hosts seminar on Education, Research and Development in the AI era
The Institute of Appropriate Technology (IAT), BUET organized a seminar titled “Education, Research, and Development in the AI Era”. The event brought together policymakers, academics, engineers, researchers and students to discuss the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, research, innovation and national development, according to a press release.
Md. Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee, MP, Hon’ble Minister of Water Resources, attended the seminar as the Chief Guest. Professor Dr. Eqramul Hoque, Vice-Chancellor, BUET, chaired the event. Professor Dr. Abdul Hasib Chowdhury, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, BUET and Professor Dr. Md. Sabbir Mostafa Khan, Honorary General Secretary of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB), attended as Special Guests.
The keynote lecture was delivered by internationally renowned scholar Professor Dr. Rafiqul Gani, Distinguished Adjunct Professor of IAT-BUET and CEO of PSE for SPEED Company Ltd. In his lecture, he highlighted the growing role of AI in problem-solving, knowledge generation, innovation, and sustainable development, emphasizing the need to use AI as a tool to augment human capabilities rather than replace them.
Speaking at the event, the Honorable Minister underscored the potential of AI in addressing national challenges, particularly in water resources management, climate resilience, infrastructure development, and evidence-based policymaking. The Vice-Chancellor emphasized BUET’s commitment to advancing AI-driven education, interdisciplinary research, and innovation.
A special reception was also held in honor of four distinguished former Directors of IAT—Professor Dr. Iqbal Mahmud, Professor Dr. Nooruddin Ahmed, Professor Dr. Mohammad Nurul Islam, and Professor Dr. M. Kamal Uddin—for their outstanding contributions to the growth and development of the Institute.
The seminar concluded with a call for stronger collaboration among academia, industry, and government to harness the opportunities of AI for sustainable national development.
