Dhaka: Primary and Mass Education Adviser Professor Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Podder emphasized that artificial intelligence (AI), when combined with creativity and ethics, could serve as a powerful tool for human welfare. He shared these insights during a discussion held at the International Mother Language Institute to mark the International Day of Education-2025.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the event was organized by the Bangladesh National Commission for UNESCO (BNCU) and UNESCO Dhaka, focusing on the theme ‘Artificial Intelligence and education: Preserving human agency in a world of automation’. Dr. Bidhan stressed the importance of instilling innovation and morality in children from an early age, suggesting that such qualities could prevent future generations from becoming subservient to technology. Instead, they would utilize AI as a key instrument for the betterment of humanity.
In his remarks, Dr. Bidhan highlighted the growing challenge posed by AI and the need for nurturing children’s innovative abilities and thinking processes alongside traditional literacy. He also underscored the importance of developing children’s skills in their mother tongue, as language is essential for expressing thoughts and ideas, which in turn enhances cognitive development.
The discussion featured various dignitaries, including Special Assistant to Education Adviser Professor Dr. M Aminul Islam, who participated as a special guest. The event was chaired by Secondary and Higher Education Division Secretary and BNCU Secretary General Siddique Zobair. UNESCO Dhaka Office Head and UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh Susan Vize attended, with University Grants Commission (UGC) Member Professor Dr. Md Saidur Rahman presenting the keynote paper.
Other notable participants included Technical and Madrasah Education Division Secretary Dr. KM Kabirul Islam, Primary and Mass Education Ministry Secretary Abu Taher Md Masud Rana, and Dr. Md Abdur Razzaque from the Dhaka University (DU) Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) Department. The speakers expressed optimism that the observance of this special day would encourage the new generation to pursue the Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG-4) objectives in innovative ways.
The event saw the participation of officials and representatives from various government and non-government organizations, development partners, and students from different educational institutions.