UGC urges universities to lead on generative AI research and skills

Bangladesh’s University Grants Commission (UGC) has urged universities to step up research into generative artificial intelligence, harness its potential for productivity and innovation, and cultivate skilled talent to meet emerging needs, UGC member Professor Dr Md Saidur Rahman said on Wednesday (October 15). 

Speaking as the chief guest at a training workshop titled “Generative AI for Productivity and Innovation” at the UGC headquarters in Dhaka, Professor Rahman said Bangladesh lags in “data-driven” generative AI and called on researchers to develop locally relevant models that reflect the country’s linguistic, cultural, and social context. 

He also cautioned that while AI can simplify daily tasks, it may displace some jobs, urging judicious use and constant cultivation of creativity. 

The two-day workshop is jointly organised by the UGC’s Information Management, Communication and Training (IMCT) Division and the Bangladesh Research and Education Network (BdREN). 

The session was chaired by Md Omar Faruque, director of the UGC’s ICT/IMCT Division; UGC Secretary Dr Md Fakhrul Islam addressed the event as a special guest, and Additional Director Muhammad Nazmul (Najmul) Islam delivered the welcome remarks. 

Dr Fakhrul Islam said the use of generative AI is essential to elevate human thought, skills and creativity, adding that the technology can strengthen administrative efficiency and innovation across higher education. 

BdREN provided the technical training, led by General Manager Khandakar Rashedul Arefin, Manager (Innovation) Abu Naser Md Nafew, Network Engineer Pranto Paul and Senior Software Engineer Punam Chowdhury. 

Officials attending included Dr. Md. Sultan Mahmud Bhuiyan, Director of the Private Universities Division; Jesmin Parvin, Acting Director of International Collaboration; and Nahid Sultana, Acting Director of Audit, along with 29 officers from the UGC.