Students are no longer engaging with books but are instead relying on ChatGPT for their assignments, a trend that has raised serious concerns among education experts. Formerly, students would acquire knowledge through reading before completing their assignments, but now, many are simply generating responses using ChatGPT. This shift poses a significant threat to education, remarked Professor Dr. Md. Aminul Islam, Special Assistant (with the rank of State Minister) to the Ministry of Education.
Speaking at a discussion event held at the International Mother Language Institute in Segunbagicha, Dhaka, on Sunday, February 9, in observance of ‘International Education Day 2025,’ Professor Aminul Islam emphasized the negative impact of ChatGPT on academic integrity.
“The students are moving away from reading books. Instead of acquiring knowledge and crafting assignments on their own, they are resorting to ChatGPT to generate answers. This is an alarming sign for the future of education,” he stated.
He further warned that ChatGPT is influencing students’ cognitive abilities and diminishing their interest in knowledge and scientific pursuits. “We have observed that even in MPhil and PhD research, ChatGPT’s role has been disgraceful,” he added. According to him, this over-reliance on artificial intelligence is contributing to an increasing number of unemployed graduates in the country.
While acknowledging the global revolution in artificial intelligence (AI), he underscored the necessity of developing AI expertise. “The world is abuzz with AI innovations and their multifaceted applications. To lead the future, our universities must be equipped for AI research—spanning fundamental, theoretical, and applied aspects—to prepare the next generation for the evolving landscape.”
Professor Aminul Islam also noted that while public universities and a few elite private universities offer quality education, there is a need to ensure that meritorious students pursue higher studies or enroll in technical education programs. He stressed that technical education creates ample job opportunities both at home and abroad.
Highlighting the importance of mathematics and science in primary and secondary education, he urged that students be encouraged to participate in mathematical and scientific research, including Olympiads, to foster intellectual growth.
The professor further announced a significant academic reform: “Students under the National University system will complete three years of honors studies, followed by one year of diploma education. They will receive two certificates—an honors certificate and a diploma certificate.” He emphasized the necessity of expanding vocational and polytechnic education to ensure future employability.
The discussion was jointly organized by the Bangladesh National Commission for UNESCO (BNCU) and the UNESCO Dhaka Office under the theme: “Artificial Intelligence and Education: Safeguarding and Enhancing Human Identity and Capabilities in an Era of Technological Automation.”
Distinguished guests included Professor Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar, Advisor for Mass Education, who attended as a special guest. The keynote speech was delivered by Professor Dr. Md. Saidur Rahman, a member of the University Grants Commission (UGC). The event was presided over by Siddiq Zobayer, Senior Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division and Secretary-General of the Bangladesh National Commission for UNESCO.
Among the discussants were Dr. K. M. Kabirul Islam, Secretary of the Technical and Madrasah Education Division; Abu Taher Md. Masud Rana, Secretary of the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education; and Professor Dr. Md. Abdur Razzak, Chairman of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Dhaka.
