IUB hosts AI session to promote curiosity and critical thinking
Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) underscored the critical role of curiosity and critical thinking in the age of artificial intelligence, hosting an academic session titled "The Power of Curious Minds in the Age of AI" on 18 May 2026 at the DMK Lecture Gallery.
The session featured Professor Dr Akhlaque Haque of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.
The event was organised by the Outreach, Extension and Continuing Education (OECE) unit, under the Office of the Pro-Vice Chancellor.
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Dr Haque is Professor of Political Science and Public Administration at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and President of the South Asian Network for Public Administration (SANPA).
His keynote addressed curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, and ethical judgment in the context of artificial intelligence.
Professor Haque highlighted the importance of independent thinking, questioning, and problem-solving in an environment increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence.
He urged students to move beyond rote learning and engage with practical and social challenges through research, innovation, and analytical thinking.
Drawing on examples from healthcare, technology, governance, and public policy, Dr Haque described artificial intelligence as a tool to support human capability and decision-making.
He also discussed the role of Bangladeshi students and researchers in addressing climate change, urbanisation, digital inequality, and technology ethics.
More than 40 students and 20 faculty and administrative staff members from various departments attended the session.
Professor 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, also attended.
