The ‘Artificial Intelligence Research Lab’ has been launched at Daffodil International University to build a strong foundation for the country’s digital transformation through the visionary initiatives taken by the Bangladesh government in the ICT sector. This initiative will further strengthen mutual cooperation between academia, industry and the government and create an environment or ecosystem that will accelerate innovation as well as make a meaningful contribution towards the country’s AI-driven future, a press release said.
11 July (Saturday), BNP Central Committee Member and Honorable Minister of Posts, Telecommunication and ICT and Science and Technology, Fakir Mahbub Anam, MP inaugurated the ‘Artificial Intelligence Research Lab’ and ‘AI Project Competition 2026’ as the chief guest.
The event was presided over by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Md. Sabur Khan, and was addressed by the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Dr. M. R. Kabir, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Md. Masum Iqbal, and Head of the Department of Computing and Information Systems Professor Dr. Md. Sarwar Hossain Mollah,
Speaking as the chief guest, Fakir Mahbub Anam, MP—Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and of Science and Technology—stated that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not merely a technology; it is a key driving force behind the future economy, employment, innovation, and national competitiveness. The government is attaching the utmost importance to developing a skilled workforce in AI technology and fostering an environment conducive to research and innovation.
The Minister stated that the university-based AI research lab would serve as a hub for research, innovation, and technological excellence. Such initiatives will equip students with skills in modern artificial intelligence technologies and play a pivotal role in conducting research, developing innovative prototypes, and creating industry-ready solutions.
Fakir Mahbub Anam stated that AI is currently bringing about significant changes in nearly every aspect of daily life—ranging from education, health, agriculture, industry, and business to administration. Therefore, there is no alternative to research, innovation, and the development of a skilled workforce in order to build a new Bangladesh.
The Minister noted that the government’s sustained initiatives in the information and communication technology sector have established a robust foundation for the country’s digital transformation, and various programs are being implemented to cultivate a skilled workforce equipped for the future.
The Minister expressed hope that Daffodil International University’s AI research lab would strengthen effective collaboration among the country’s education, industry, and government sectors, and play a pivotal role in building a robust innovation ecosystem.
The Minister further stated that Prime Minister Tareq Rahman considers today’s young generation to be the primary driving force behind the Bangladesh of tomorrow. AI is no longer merely a technology; it is a key driver of the economy, employment, and innovation. Our goal is to create one million new jobs in the ICT sector over the next five years.
The Minister further mentioned that the most promising and best AI projects developed by Daffodil University students would receive comprehensive support through the government, the ICT Ministry’s startup fund, and other platforms. Additionally, the Minister highlighted various government initiatives aimed at extending AI training centers and satellite-based internet facilities to the grassroots level across the country.
In his presidential address, Dr. Md. Sabur Khan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, stated that he envisions transforming Daffodil International University into an AI-centric university, rather than merely an AI-supported one. He noted that the university is taking steps to ensure all necessary facilities for this purpose. He further added that it is possible to solve various social problems through the use of AI by the university’s students. He assured full cooperation regarding the commercialization of projects developed by the students.
Notably, this state-of-the-art facility is equipped with 25 NVIDIA DGX-based PCs and 5 high-performance computers featuring specialized RTX 3060 and 4090 GPUs. Five skilled, full-time researchers are deployed at the lab to solve complex real-world problems, develop AI agents, and create AI-driven product solutions. The lab’s research team has already developed groundbreaking solutions such as ‘AI Professor’, ‘AI Proctor’, and ‘AI Registrar’, and work is currently underway on their ‘Smart Classroom’ project.
Later, the Minister distributed awards to 12 winning teams across six categories, selected from the 145 projects showcased at the AI project exhibition.
