Master AI to Build Careers

Achieving a university degree cannot be the sole goal of higher education; instead, students must acquire essential skills aligned with market demands to keep pace with rapid developments in emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science. Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, Chairman of the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh (UGC), highlighted this while speaking as the chief guest at the 'Meet and Greet 2026' event held on Wednesday, November 11 at the permanent campus of the State University of Bangladesh (SUB) in Kanchon, near Purbachal, Dhaka.

Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed stated that alongside formal education, students must acquire digital literacy, communication skills, and other essential professional qualifications. Addressing freshers, he noted that hard work, perseverance, and self-confidence are vital for success alongside merit. The institution—whether public or private, large or small—is not the primary determinant of success, as acquiring relevant knowledge and skills allows individuals to succeed from any institution.

Highlighting economic prospects, related sources indicated that Bangladesh aims to elevate its economy to one trillion dollars by 2034, with the potential to create ten million new jobs over the next five years. Youth must play a key role in filling these positions by equipping themselves with quality education and timely skills.

Regarding faculty roles, it was emphasized through related sources that education must not remain confined to classroom lectures alone. Institutions must provide ample opportunities for co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, which help students develop practical skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Outlining UGC’s vision, related sources informed that the commission is working to ensure quality education across all universities within the next five years. Initiatives are underway to build an integrated education system so that students can effectively apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios, maintaining zero discrimination between public and private universities.

Related sources further revealed that UGC plans to facilitate PhD opportunities at home and abroad for at least 2,000 public and private university teachers over the next five years, alongside expanding research opportunities and professional training.

On research funding, Professor Mamun Ahmed mentioned that grants for public and private university projects will prioritize research quality, potential contribution to solving existing national issues, and implementation capability. He invited universities with promising research proposals to collaborate with UGC.

The event was presided over by Professor Dr. Md. Hasan Kawsar, Vice-Chancellor (Designate) of the State University of Bangladesh. Dr. A M Shamim, President of the Board of Trustees, and Dr. Md. Mahbubur Rahman, Vice President of the Board of Trustees, were present.

Professor Dr. S M A Faiz, former Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University and former UGC Chairman; Dr. Asif Nazrul, Adjunct Professor at SUB’s Law Department; Professor Dr. K S Sarwaruddin Ahmed, Pro-Vice-Chancellor; and Dr. Ahmed Hossain, Registrar, also attended as guests of honor.

Deans of various schools, department chairs, advisors, faculty members, invited guests, and newly admitted students were present at the ceremony.

//DBTech/HSC/SDE/FOE//