BRAC University organized an orientation program for freshers enrolling in the Spring 2026 semester on the Merul Badda campus in Dhaka on 29 January 2026 with Johan Buse, chief executive officer (CEO) 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,” said Buse in his speech titled “Youth Opportunities in the Age of AI: Bold Futures and Born in the Age of Digital Change”.
AI has brought great opportunities. It has increased the speed of work and is now being used in almost every field. In the coming days, AI will be used in almost 80 percent of jobs, he said.
The future is in the hands of those who learn to use it, he added, urging students to make the most of these opportunities.
He, however, reminded students that AI cannot be a substitute for creativity and imagination and must be used ethically and with caution. “You have to control AI so that AI cannot control you,” said Buse.
Welcoming the students, Vice-Chancellor Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar advised them to stay updated to make progress while acting responsibly towards society and the state and working for the well-being of the people.
He explained to the students that they were at BRAC University to bring about change and this required proving to the world that they were capable of doing so by accomplishing something that is different from others to make the world a better place to live in.
Professor Anwar also recommended that the students inspire those around them as it is the only way to strengthen bonds and take things forward and to recognize the fact that they have to learn from the differences that they have.
“More than 40 percent of our graduates, not our Bangladesh as a whole, remain unemployed. Those who are leaving the country and working elsewhere outside of this country are underemployed,” he said, suggesting that students cultivate deeper knowledge and skills.
The orientation program shed light on the rich history of BRAC University and the educational philosophy of the university’s founder, Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, through audiovisual presentations.
Various features of the university, including the Residential Semester and club activities, were highlighted.
Recent achievements of three students were also recognized. Among them, Feroza Mahzabin, a final-year computer science student, became the champion of Grameenphone FutureMakers with her AI-powered Bangla sign language application “Ishara”.
Tasmia Mahmud Parisha, a School of Law graduate, received recognition for securing 5th position leading her team to the quarterfinals of an international moot court contest in Gujarat, India.
Meanwhile, Lamia Ahmed Khan, a 2nd semester student of computer science and engineering, secured a bronze medal at a taekwondo championship in Nepal while her 3-member team secured silver.
Registrar Dr David Dowland, Dean of the School of General Education Professor Samia Haque and Proctor Dr Rubana Ahmed also spoke at the orientation, which was moderated by Student Life Joint Director Tahsina Rahman.
Members of student club “Monon” performed a dance and the program ended with a concert.
Through such initiatives, BRAC University continues to make progress towards United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 (Quality Education), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).
