The session featured Prof Dr Akhlaque Haque of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, who is a professor of political science and public administration and President of the South Asian Network for Public Administration (SANPA). The programme was organised by the Outreach, Extension and Continuing Education (OECE) unit under the Office of the Pro-Vice Chancellor.

In his keynote address, Prof Haque emphasised the importance of curiosity, critical thinking, creativity and ethical judgement in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. He urged students to move beyond rote learning and to engage with real-world social and practical challenges through research, innovation and analytical thinking.

Drawing on examples from healthcare, technology, governance and public policy, Prof Haque described artificial intelligence as a tool that can enhance human capability and support better decision-making. He also highlighted the potential role of students and researchers from Bangladesh in addressing pressing issues such as climate change, rapid urbanisation, digital inequality and ethical concerns surrounding technology.

More than 40 students and 20 faculty and administrative staff from various departments and offices attended the session. Among those present were Prof Dr Daniel W. Lund, Pro-Vice Chancellor of IUB; Ambassador (Retd.) Tariq A. Karim, Adviser to the Centre for Bengal Studies; Asif Parvez, Registrar; and Md Shahajada Masud Anowarul Haque, Librarian.