An initiative has been taken to strengthen joint research, training, and institutional cooperation between Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University (MBSTU) and the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) following a visit to Thailand by MBSTU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr ABM Shahidul Islam.
As part of the visit, Prof Islam inspected AIT’s Artificial Intelligence Centre and held meetings with officials at various levels of the institution, reads a press release.
The VC’s five-day visit from Saturday to Wednesday was approved under an official order issued on Thursday, 3 September 2026 by the Science and Technology University Branch of the Secondary and Higher Education Division, Ministry of Education.
According to his itinerary, Prof Islam departed from a Bangkok hotel for the AIT campus on Tuesday morning. From 10am to 10:45am, he held a meeting with Dr Sumana Shrestha, Director of the International Affairs Office as well as the Development and External Relations Office at AIT, and Dr Indra Kumar, Coordinator of the International Affairs Office.
During this initial meeting, discussions focused on higher education, international cooperation, research, and future academic activities between the two institutions. Later, from 11am to 11:30am, Prof Islam inspected the Artificial Intelligence Centre of AIT, where he gained insights into AI technology, research activities, and related training.
From 11:30am to 12pm, he attended a courtesy meeting and welcome session with Dr Faiez Shah, Executive Director of the Yunus Centre at AIT. He then joined a lunch with the School of Management at 12:30pm, followed by separate meetings with Prof Javed at 1:30pm and with K Karim and Dr Zakir at 2pm.
Throughout the tour, discussions were held regarding the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between AIT and MBSTU, alongside plans to jointly conduct research and training activities. Detailed talks took place on providing necessary training to enhance the skills and capacity of the university’s teachers, students, and officials.
According to relevant sources, there is a strong possibility that the MoU will be signed during the AIT President’s upcoming visit to Bangladesh in the first week of November, with the AIT authority expressing keen interest in working jointly with MBSTU.
University stakeholders said that the VC’s visit could open up new avenues for international cooperation in artificial intelligence, higher education, and research. If the proposed MoU with AIT is implemented, it is expected to play a crucial role in advancing training, research, and capacity development for MBSTU teachers and students.
