Prof Akhlaque Haque speaks at IUB on learning and critical thinking in the age of AI

Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) organised an academic motivational session titled “The Power of Curious Minds in the Age of AI” on May 18 at the DMK Lecture Gallery.

The session featured Akhlaque Haque, professor of Political Science and Public Administration at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in the United States and president of the South Asian Network for Public Administration (SANPA), according to a press release.

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, Haque discussed curiosity, critical thinking, creativity and ethical judgement in the context of artificial intelligence.

He highlighted the importance of independent thinking, questioning and problem-solving in an environment increasingly influenced by AI.

Haque encouraged students to move beyond rote learning and engage with practical and social challenges through research, innovation and analytical thinking.

Using examples from healthcare, technology, governance and public policy, he described artificial intelligence as a tool that can support human capability and decision-making.

He also discussed the role of students and researchers from Bangladesh in addressing issues related to climate change, urbanisation, digital inequality and ethics in technology.

More than 40 students and 20 faculty and administrative staff members attended the session.

Among those present were Daniel W. Lund, pro-vice chancellor of IUB; Ambassador (Retd.) Tariq A. Karim, adviser to the Centre for Bengal Studies; Registrar Asif Parvez; and Librarian Md Shahajada Masud Anowarul Haque.