Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam on Saturday said artificial intelligence (AI) is not just a technology, it is one of the key driving forces of the future economy, employment, innovation and national competitiveness.
He said the government is attaching the highest importance to developing skilled human resources in AI technology and creating an environment conducive to research and innovation.
Faqir Mahbub Anam, also the Minister of Science and Technology, made the remarks while addressing the inauguration ceremony of the "Artificial Intelligence Research Lab" and the "AI Project Competition-2026" as the chief guest at Daffodil International University (DIU) in Savar.
He said the university-based AI research lab will serve as a hub for research, innovation and technological excellence. Such initiatives will equip students with modern AI technologies and play an important role in conducting research, developing innovative prototypes and creating industry-oriented solutions, he said.
The minister said AI is now bringing significant changes to almost every aspect of people's daily lives, ranging from education, healthcare, agriculture, industry, business and administration. Therefore, there is no alternative to research, innovation and developing skilled human resources to build a new Bangladesh, he noted.
The minister also visited the university's AI research facilities, innovation centers, and ICT education activities. He later presented awards to six winning teams at the competition's closing ceremony.
The event was chaired by Dr Md Sabur Khan, Chairman of the DIU Board of Trustees. Speakers included Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr MR Kabir, Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Masum Iqbal, and Professor Dr Md Sarwar Hossain Mollah, Head of the Department of Computing and Information Systems.
