BRAC University welcomes spring 2026 freshers with AI-focused orientation

BRAC University organised an orientation programme for freshers enrolling in the Spring 2026 semester at its Merul Badda campus in Dhaka on 29 January, 2026, with Johan Buse, chief executive officer of Banglalink Digital Communications Limited, as the orientation speaker.

"Many call this era of AI the era of artificial intelligence. I call it augmented intelligence," Buse said while delivering his speech titled "Youth Opportunities in the Age of AI: Bold Futures and Born in the Age of Digital Change."

He said artificial intelligence has significantly increased work efficiency and is now being used across almost every sector. In the coming days, AI would be used in nearly 80 percent of jobs, he added.

"The future is in the hands of those who learn to use it," Buse said, urging students to make the most of emerging opportunities. However, he cautioned that AI cannot replace creativity and imagination and must be used ethically and responsibly.

"You have to control AI so that AI cannot control you," he said.

Welcoming the students, Syed Ferhat Anwar, vice-chancellor of BRAC University, advised them to remain updated, act responsibly towards society and the state, and work for the well-being of the people.

He told the students that their role at the university was to bring about positive change by proving their capabilities through actions that set them apart and contribute to making the world a better place.

Professor Anwar also encouraged students to inspire those around them, noting that learning from differences and strengthening social bonds are essential for collective progress.

"More than 40 percent of our graduates remain unemployed, while many who go abroad are underemployed," he said, urging students to develop deeper knowledge and practical skills.

The orientation programme highlighted the history of BRAC University and the educational philosophy of its founder, Fazle Hasan Abed, through audiovisual presentations. Key academic features, including the Residential Semester and student club activities, were also introduced.

The achievements of three students were recognised at the programme. Feroza Mahzabin, a final-year computer science student, became champion of Grameenphone FutureMakers with her AI-powered Bangla sign language application "Ishara."

Tasmia Mahmud Parisha, a graduate of the School of Law, was recognised for securing fifth position and leading her team to the quarter-finals of an international moot court competition in Gujarat.

Meanwhile, Lamia Ahmed Khan, a second-semester student of computer science and engineering, won a bronze medal at a taekwondo championship in Nepal, while her three-member team secured silver.

David Dowland, registrar of the university, Samia Haque, dean of the School of General Education, and Rubana Ahmed, proctor of BRAC University, also spoke at the programme, which was moderated by Tahsina Rahman, joint director of Student Life.

Members of the student cultural club Monon performed a dance, and the programme concluded with a concert.

Through such initiatives, BRAC University continues to advance progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goals 4, 8, 9, 10, and 16.