Daffodil International University (DIU) has inaugurated its Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research Lab to strengthen AI-based research, innovation and digital transformation in Bangladesh.

The AI Research Lab and the AI Project Competition 2026 were inaugurated on 11 July by Fakir Mahbub Anam, MP, BNP Central Committee member and minister of posts, telecommunications and information technology, and science and technology, who attended the programme as the chief guest.

During the event, the minister visited the university’s research facilities on information technology, innovation and artificial intelligence and later presented awards to the six winning teams of the AI Project Competition 2026.

The programme was chaired by Dr Md Sabur Khan, chairman of the Board of Trustees of DIU. Among those who addressed the event were Professor Dr M R Kabir, vice-chancellor of DIU; Professor Dr Mohammed Masum Iqbal, pro-vice-chancellor; and Professor Dr Md Sarwar Hossain Mollah, head of the Department of Computing and Information Systems.

Addressing the programme, Fakir Mahbub Anam said the AI Research Lab would serve as a centre for research, innovation and technological excellence, enabling students to gain practical experience with advanced artificial intelligence technologies, conduct research and develop solutions for industry.

He said artificial intelligence is transforming sectors including education, healthcare, agriculture, industry, business and public administration, adding that the government is placing greater emphasis on AI, innovation, research and skills development as part of Bangladesh’s digital transformation.

He also highlighted the government’s initiatives to formulate a national AI policy, strengthen the startup ecosystem and equip young people with future-oriented skills, expressing hope that universities such as DIU would contribute by producing skilled AI professionals and advancing research and innovation.

Dr Md Sabur Khan said the university aims to become an AI-native institution where artificial intelligence is used not only as a technology but also as a tool for developing solutions to real-world challenges.

The university said the newly established AI Research Lab is expected to strengthen collaboration among academia, industry and government while supporting the country’s growing AI ecosystem and innovation landscape.