Green University of Bangladesh is set to launch the first-ever Bachelor’s program in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science in the country. Alongside this, the university has also introduced a new department for Software Engineering.
The announcement was made during a press conference held at the university’s permanent campus on Monday, October 7.
Vice-Chancellor of Green University, Professor Dr. Mohammad Sharif Uddin; Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Khaza Iftekhar Uddin Ahmed; Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Professor Dr. Saiful Azad; Registrar, Captain (Navy) Sheikh Mohammad Salahuddin, LPR; and Chairperson of the AI and Data Science Department, Dr. Muhammad Abul Hasan were present at the conference.
During the event, speakers highlighted the promising future of AI as a field, despite it being relatively new. The rapid rise in its popularity over the past few years has led experts to predict that AI will shape the future. With global tech platforms like Amazon offering basic courses on AI, individuals are now shifting from traditional search engines like Google to AI-based technologies to stay competitive in the job market.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mohammad Sharif Uddin remarked that AI is transforming knowledge into machine intelligence, enhancing technology and increasing human productivity. He noted that while people commonly use apps like Pathao and Uber, they are often unaware of the AI systems behind these technologies. AI graduates will work in these areas, delving deeper into computer science and its applications.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Khaza Iftekhar Uddin Ahmed emphasized that the introduction of AI was meant to bridge the gap between academia and industry, not only within Bangladesh but also globally. The goal is to develop a skilled workforce that will enrich the technology market.
Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Professor Dr. Saiful Azad, shared global market data and future trends, stating that AI alone has contributed to a 36% improvement in the global job market.
Registrar Captain Sheikh Mohammad Salahuddin added that AI is already being widely used in Bangladesh for various applications, including medical diagnosis, treatment planning, and traffic control.
The Chairperson of the AI and Data Science Department, Dr. Muhammad Abul Hasan, discussed the critical need for AI education in preparing students to face the challenges of the Fourth and Fifth Industrial Revolutions, asserting that AI is indispensable for students in science and engineering fields.