Bangladesh AI Summit organized by Bangladesh Brand Forum powered by AKIJ Resource and Mutual Trust Bank PLC and held in collaboration with Brac Business School took place recently at Brac University
Bangladesh AI Summit organized by Bangladesh Brand Forum, AKIJ Resource, Mutual Trust Bank PLC and Brac Business School was held at Brac University. This summit is a flagship initiative of the Bangladesh Innovation Conclave, aiming to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in driving progress across business, governance, and society. Summit will bring together global and local industry leaders, policymakers and innovators to share insights, showcase groundbreaking AI applications, foster collaboration across sectors, and build a robust talent pipeline for AI in Bangladesh. The initiative aims to generate greater awareness of AI’s potential, strengthen public-private-academic partnerships and provide actionable policy insights to guide the development of a national AI strategy.
Summit began with a welcome address by Mohammad Mujibul Haque professor and dean at Brac Business School and an opening address from Shariful Islam founder and managing director of Bangladesh Brand Forum and Bangladesh Innovation Conclave. He emphasized the importance of using AI wisely, inclusively and ethically also emphasizing the need to use it wisely, inclusively and ethically. Summit also celebrated the AI Hackathon, where brilliant minds are already innovating and building solutions that will drive the country forward.
A seminar on the transformation of the pharmaceutical industry of Bangladesh was held at Brac University School of Pharmacy
A seminar titled “Changing Pharmaceutical Landscape of Bangladesh: Shaping Future Leaders” was recently held at Brac University’s School of Pharmacy, Merul Badda campus. Event brought together academics, industry leaders and regulatory representatives to discuss the evolution of Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical sector and the cultivation of future leaders.
Seminar Highlights Pharmaceutical Industry Transformation and Leadership at Brac University:
Counterfeit Drugs: Prof. Dr. Md. Selim Reza warned about the growing threat of counterfeit and adulterated medicines.
Sustainable Practices: Prof. Dr. Md. Abdur Rashid stressed adopting eco-friendly and sustainable production methods.
AI in Education: Prof. Dr. Chowdhury Mahmud Hasan explored the potential and challenges of artificial intelligence in pharmaceutical education.
Bioequivalence for Exports: Syed S. Kaiser Kabir underscored the importance of bioequivalence testing to boost drug exports.
Practical Learning: Naser Shahriar Zahedi urged students to combine theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience.
Global Research Collaboration: Abdul Muktadir advocated for joint research initiatives with international institutions, particularly in synthetic chemistry.
Leadership Development: Brac University vice chancellor Syed Farhat Anwar emphasized the university’s aim to lead the Global South through innovation and leadership in the pharmaceutical field.
Other speakers included officials from the Department of Drug Administration and Brac University’s administration highlighting the seminar’s collaborative and multidisciplinary approach.
Nanjing Audit University, China has awarded honorary professorship to North South University Vice Chancellor Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury
North South University (NSU) Vice Chancellor Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury has been conferred with an honorary professorship by Nanjing Audit University (NAU), China. The first South Asian academic to receive this prestigious recognition, NSU Vice Chancellor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury was conferred with the honor at a high-level symposium held at Nanjing Audit University on Thursday (May 8).
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between North South University and Nanjing Audit University at the same event. This has paved the way for the exchange of experiences in academic, research, and institutional development between the two universities.
In this context, Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury said, “This arrangement has taken NSU another step forward on the path of international engagement. Which reflects the mission of addressing global challenges through education, research and socially responsible innovation.’
Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury delivered a keynote speech titled ‘Social Business and Three Zeros’ at the event. In which he outlined the directions for solving poverty, unemployment and carbon emission problems through sustainable business models.
Professor SK Toufiq M. Haque director of the South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance (SIPG) of North South University was present at the event.
As part of the day-long program, Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury participated in a high-level meeting at Jiangsu Bank, China. There as the chairman of Grameen Bank he shed light on Grameen Bank’s role in inclusive finance, microfinance, risk management strategies and community-based financial models.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln 1400 R Street Lincoln, NE, United States, Nebraska 68588
S M Nayeem Arefin a graduate of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) has been awarded the 2024–2025 Folsom Distinguished Master’s Thesis Award by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL), USA. He received the honor on April 23, 2025, in recognition of his groundbreaking research on lead halide perovskites, funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF).
This prestigious award is presented to only two students across more than 100 departments and nine colleges at UNL. Arefin’s thesis, supervised by Dr. Laura Wang, Associate Professor in UNL’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, focused on developing innovative methods for synthesizing perovskite materials used in advanced photonic applications.
Titled “Patterning Synthesis of Lead Halide Perovskites Toward Photonic Application,” his thesis tackled the limitations of conventional lithographic techniques, which often compromise the delicate crystal structures of perovskites. By combining soft lithography with self-assembly using asymmetric wettability templates, Arefin achieved the first controlled synthesis of CsPb₂Br₅ crystals while preserving their structural integrity. This advancement opens new possibilities for photonic devices such as LEDs, lasers, and photodetectors.
During his Master’s studies, Arefin was supported by the NSF’s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR). He also received the Holling Fellowship, served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, and contributed as a peer reviewer for journals published by Elsevier.
Currently, Arefin is pursuing a PhD in Mechanical and Materials Engineering at UNL, working under the supervision of Dr. Jeffrey Shield. His doctoral research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of size-controlled metallic nanoparticles, including alloy and core-shell structures, using inert gas condensation (IGC). His work involves advanced analytical techniques such as high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), high-angle annular dark-field imaging (HAADF), Raman spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and both optical and magnetic measurements.
Arefin earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from IUB in 2021, graduating Magna Cum Laude. He consistently appeared on the Dean’s and Vice Chancellor’s Honor Lists between 2017 and 2020.
At IUB, he was an active member of the IUB Photonics Simulation Lab (IUBPSL), directed by Dr. Mustafa Habib Chowdhury, Associate Professor and current Head of the EEE Department. There, he researched the enhancement of thin-film solar cell efficiency using plasmonic nanoparticles, supported by ANSYS-Lumerical simulation tools.
Dr. Chowdhury remarked, “This recognition highlights the strong academic foundation and research excellence cultivated at IUB, particularly within the EEE Department. Arefin’s achievement exemplifies the high level of talent nurtured at IUB and underscores the university’s role in advancing global scientific research.”
North South University Launches Industrial Advisory Board for Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
North South University (NSU) proudly inaugurated the first-ever Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) of its Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, marking a significant milestone in fostering industry-academic collaboration in Bangladesh’s growing pharmaceutical sector. Held on Monday at NSU’s Syndicate Hall, the grand ceremony was attended by over 200 distinguished guests, including faculty members, students, and top leaders from the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.
A highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NSU and Beximco Pharmaceuticals Limited, one of Bangladesh’s leading pharmaceutical companies. This strategic partnership aims to enhance collaboration in research, education, and workforce development, paving the way for transformative initiatives in pharmaceutical education and innovation.
Strengthening Industry-Academia Ties
Professor Dr. Mohammad Hussain Shahriar, Chairman of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, delivered the welcoming speech, where he outlined the department’s journey, vision, and future aspirations. He also presented honorary crests to the newly appointed IAB members in recognition of their contributions to the industry.
The newly formed Industrial Advisory Board includes 12 esteemed professionals from leading pharmaceutical and healthcare institutions, offering a wealth of experience in manufacturing, marketing, R&D, and medical services. The participating organizations include:
Beximco Pharmaceuticals Limited
Square Pharmaceuticals Limited
Incepta Pharmaceuticals Limited
Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Limited
Renata PLC
Beacon Pharmaceuticals PLC
Eskayef Pharmaceuticals Limited
ACI Pharmaceuticals Limited
Everest Pharmaceuticals Limited
Evercare Hospital
Bangladesh Specialized Hospital
Square Hospital
Driving Innovation and Student Success
This collaboration is expected to enrich NSU’s pharmaceutical sciences curriculum, drive industry-aligned research, and significantly boost job placement opportunities for graduates. By aligning academic programs with industry needs, NSU aims to produce highly skilled professionals ready for the global pharmaceutical market.
Key university leaders including Dr. Deepak Kumar Mitra, Dean of the School of Health and Life Sciences, Professor Abdur Rob Khan, Acting Pro-Vice Chancellor, and Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice Chancellor, spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of syncing higher education with evolving industry standards.
MoU with Beximco: A Long-Term Commitment
The MoU with Beximco Pharmaceuticals underscores a long-term commitment to fostering innovation, knowledge exchange, and practical training. This partnership is expected to create valuable opportunities for student internships, faculty development, and joint research initiatives.
Meet the Industrial Advisory Board Members:
Rabbur Reza, COO, Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Md. Nawabur Rahman, Executive Director (Technical Operations), Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Ehsan Aziz, Executive Director (Marketing), Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Rahat Uz-Zaman, Director (Marketing), Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Md. Ikhtiar Hossain, Executive Director (Technical), Eskayef Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Md. Tanbir Sajib, CMO, Renata PLC
Md. Muhsin Mia, Director (Marketing Operations), ACI Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Md. Saiful Islam, Director of Operations, Everest Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Prof. Dr. M.S. Arfin, Director, Bangladesh Specialized Hospital
Dr. Arif Mahmud, Group Medical Director, Evercare Hospital Ltd.
Prof. Dr. Zahidul Hasan, Associate Director (Medical Services) & Senior Consultant, Square Hospital Ltd.
With this pioneering initiative, North South University positions itself as a leader in pharmaceutical education and research, driving innovation and excellence in both academia and the pharmaceutical industry in Bangladesh.
AIUB Showcases Commitment to Global Education at QS Higher Ed Summit: Middle East 2025
American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) proudly participated in the QS Higher Ed Summit: Middle East 2025, held from April 20–22, 2025, in Kuwait, hosted by the Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST). The summit, themed “Society 5.0: Higher Education and Skills for a Human-Centered Future,” brought together global leaders to explore the future of higher education in the digital age.
Shania Mahia Abedin member of the AIUB board of trustees represented AIUB at the summit, highlighting the university’s strategic vision, innovation goals, and its role in advancing higher education in Bangladesh. Her participation emphasized AIUB’s ongoing efforts to address emerging educational challenges while building impactful international collaborations.
The Opening Session featured key figures including:
Ashwin Fernandes, Executive Director (AMESA), QS Quacquarelli Symonds
Jason Newman, Chief Commercial Officer, QS Quacquarelli Symonds
Nawaf Arhamah, Chairman, Gulf University for Science & Technology
Bassam Alameddine, President, Gulf University for Science & Technology
Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor, Abu Dhabi University
H.E. Prof Dr Amr Ezzat Salama, Secretary-General, Association of Arab Universities
The Opening Panel Discussion, titled “State of the Region,” focused on transformative shifts across the Middle East’s educational and economic landscape. It addressed the need for human-centered innovation in response to rapid technological and industrial change. Distinguished panelists included:
Ebrahim Al Hajri, President, Khalifa University of Science and Technology
Fuad Mohammed Al-Ansari, President, University of Bahrain
Aisha Al Kharusi, Deputy Executive Chairperson, Modern College of Business and Science, Oman
H.E. Dr Ahmed Bin Saleh Al-Yamani, President, Prince Sultan University
By engaging in such prestigious global events, AIUB reinforces its position as a forward-thinking institution, committed to quality education, global networking, and sustainable academic growth.
EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Visits Brac University to Strengthen Academic Collaboration
Brac University recently welcomed Michael Miller the ambassador and head of delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh to its campus for a high-level visit aimed at strengthening academic partnerships and exploring new opportunities for collaboration in higher education, research and sustainable development.
During his visit, Ambassador Miller held a meeting with vice chancellor Syed Ferhat Anwar to discuss potential joint initiatives that align with both the European Union’s development priorities and Brac University’s mission to foster innovation, inclusivity and global engagement.
“Partnering with institutions like Brac University allows us to support innovation, foster student exchanges and help shape the next generation of global leaders,” said Ambassador Miller. “We are particularly excited to support initiatives focused on sustainability, research and inclusive development.”
Professor Anwar highlighted Brac University’s emerging leadership in higher education across the Global South, emphasizing the university’s commitment to producing graduates who are equipped to drive sustainable development in Bangladesh and beyond.
“Our synergy with Brac, the world’s largest NGO, empowers us to deliver impact-driven education and research. With the EU as a strategic partner, we aim to further elevate our global academic and research ecosystem,” he said.
Student Dialogue on EU-Bangladesh Relations
As part of the visit, Ambassador Miller engaged with students during a special dialogue session titled “Let’s Talk with the EU Ambassador: EU-Bangladesh Relations in a Changing World – Youth Perspectives on Partnership and Progress.”
Moderated by Manzoor Hasan, Executive Director of the Centre for Peace and Justice at Brac University, the interactive session provided a platform for students to voice their views and ask questions on key topics such as:
Educational reform and student mobility
Climate change and environmental sustainability
Technology and digital transformation
Global cooperation and development policy
Showcasing a Sustainable Campus
Ambassador Miller also toured Brac University’s green campus, commending its environmentally sustainable design and infrastructure. The visit was coordinated by Brac University’s International and Scholarship Office, with participation from university leadership, faculty, and communications staff.
This visit reaffirms Brac University’s commitment to expanding international academic partnerships and contributing meaningfully to global conversations on education, sustainability and inclusive development.
NSU Law Department hosted a World Intellectual Property Day seminar featuring international and local experts
North South University (NSU) in Dhaka commemorated World Intellectual Property Day on April 30, 2025, by organizing a seminar focused on contemporary intellectual property (IP) law. Event was hosted by NSU’s Department of Law and featured a lineup of distinguished speakers and legal scholars.
Key Highlights from the Seminar
Keynote Address by Professor Niloufer Selvadurai: Joining virtually from Macquarie Law School, Professor Selvadurai delivered a keynote titled “The IP Issue of Our Era – Patent Protection for AI-Generated Inventions.” She explored the complexities of recognizing artificial intelligence as an inventor under current patent laws and discussed potential statutory reforms, including the use of personal pronouns in legal texts to address AI inventorship.
Presentation by Mahua Zahur: As the director of the Centre for Learning Intellectual Property, Zahur presented on “IP and Music: An Assessment of the Prospects of the Music Industry in Light of the Copyright Act, 2023.” She emphasized the importance of protecting folkloric works and public domain creations, while critiquing the insufficient safeguards for audio-visual performers under the new copyright legislation.
Talk by Advocate Saquib Rahman: A senior lecturer at NSU’s Department of Law, Rahman discussed “Dilution by Blurring: Bangladesh’s Ignorance.” He highlighted the conceptual challenges of this area within trademark law and pointed out that Bangladeshi courts have yet to recognize the concept of dilution by blurring. Rahman advocated for its inclusion in the Trademark Act of 2009 to strengthen legal protections.
Seminar was chaired by NSU vice chancellor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury with Abdur Rob Khan NSU’s treasurer and pro vice chancellor, serving as the special guest. Event commenced with introductory remarks from Ishtiaque Ahmed chairman of the Department of Law, who expressed appreciation for the speakers and attendees.
This seminar underscores NSU’s commitment to engaging with evolving legal challenges in the digital age, particularly those intersecting with technology, creative industries and intellectual property rights.
Brac University and the BSRM Group of Companies officially inaugurated the BSRM School of Engineering at the university’s Merul Badda campus
Dhaka, April 30, 2025 — In a landmark collaboration between academia and industry, Brac University and the BSRM Group of Companies officially inaugurated the BSRM School of Engineering at the university’s Merul Badda campus on Wednesday. This event also featured the unveiling of the school’s theme, “Shaping Tomorrow: Innovation for Sustainability,” its official logo and website.
This pioneering initiative aims to reshape engineering education in Bangladesh by embedding innovation, ethics and social responsibility into its core philosophy. It aligns closely with BSRM’s long-standing social commitment and the vision of Brac University’s founder Fazle Hasan Abed to promote inclusive, dignity-centered education.
“This school represents a step forward in preparing engineers who will reimagine our cities and industries with sustainability and human well-being at the forefront,” said Tamara Hasan Abed chairperson of the board of trust, Brac University.
BSRM chairman Alihussain Akberali, FCA underscored the role of industry in nation-building, calling on students to stay and contribute to their country: “Don’t look outside when your country needs you inside. Stay here. Work here. And build here.”
The school has already begun supporting academic excellence through scholarships, research funding, and state-of-the-art laboratories.
Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar vice chancellor of Brac University highlighted the importance of combining academic knowledge with industry insight: “This partnership ensures meaningful knowledge-sharing with global impact.”
The ceremony featured remarks from Arshad M. Chowdhury dean of the school and was moderated by Khairul Basher director of communications. A cultural program and award distribution for a t-shirt design competition capped off the celebration.
Brac University Receives Permanent Charter Two Decades After Its Establishment
Brac University one of the country’s leading private universities has received a certificate to establish and operate a university permanently. The matter was confirmed to the chairman of the university’s board of trustees by sending a letter from the Private University-1 branch of the Secondary and Higher Education Department of the Ministry of Education on Monday (April 28).
The letter states that, in accordance with the opinion of the Bangladesh University Grants Commission (UGC), a certificate has been issued in favor of Brac University (Pragati Swarani, Bh-224, Merul Badda, Dhaka-1212) for the permanent establishment and operation of the university as per Section 10 of the Private Universities Act, 2010.
According to Section 12(1) of the Private Universities Act 2010, every university has to obtain a permanent charter. The temporary permission given by the government for establishment is for 7 years. After that, if the university authorities apply, the government can extend the period up to a maximum of 5 years in three phases. During this period, they have to establish their own permanent campus on the land specified in the law and start educational activities there. However, since more than 12 years have passed in the meantime, there is no further extension of time for these universities according to the law.
It is known that currently, out of 116 private universities, only a handful have obtained permanent charters. Most of the universities that are running educational programs do not have permanent charters. However, the number of universities that have been operating for more than 12 years is also more than fifty. These universities that have not been able to obtain permanent charters within the stipulated time are ‘lawbreakers’ in the eyes of the UGC.
Meanwhile, one of the country’s leading private universities,’ Brac University, has received permanent status two decades after its establishment. Fazle Hasan Abed founded the university in 2001. At that time, the university’s temporary campus started with just three departments and about 80 students in Mohakhali, Dhaka. Then a couple of years ago the university’s permanent campus started in Merul Badda.
Note: Sources in the Ministry of Education said that the university was located on land in the name of BRAC NGO. The Ministry has made it clear that the land should be in the name of the university. After exchanging letters for more than 15 years, the university has received a permanent certificate.
Footnote: That is, within 12 years, it will have to establish its own permanent campus on the land specified in the law and start educational activities there. After the specified period, the university will be considered a lawbreaker. Accordingly, after running its activities in violation of the law for about 12 years, Brac University has finally received its certificate.
