Khulna: Vice-Chancellor of Khulna University (KU), Professor Dr. Md Rezaul Karim, emphasized the necessity of digital transformation in the education sector, highlighting the swift advancements in information technology. “We have to embrace the positive aspects of technology. There is no alternative to digital transformation,” he stated, noting that KU had initiated its digital transformation journey long ago. His comments were made during a workshop titled “Empowering Educators through Digital Knowledge Enhancement under the HIEP Project” at the Liakat Ali Auditorium at KU, aiming to boost educators’ digital skills and knowledge.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the workshop was organized by the ICT Cell of KU in collaboration with the Bangladesh Research and Education Network (BdREN) under the Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) Project of the University Grants Commission (UGC). The university’s initiatives include smart classrooms, digital attendance, e-nothi services, smart laboratories, and an innovation hub, as part of its digital administration efforts. Dr. Rezaul Karim also underscored the importance of equipping students with soft skills and ethical values in addition to academic education.
KU Treasurer, Prof. Dr. Md Nurunnabi, who spoke as a special guest, remarked on the necessity for teachers to not only adapt to technology but also utilize it effectively. He highlighted the importance of using existing resources efficiently to advance technologically and emphasized greater awareness about BdREN services. Prof. Md Nurunnabi also advocated for automation in human resource management, pension, and financial management to bolster transparency and accountability.
The event featured participation from Deputy Project Director of HEAT, Prof. Md Asaduzzaman, and was chaired by KU ICT Cell Director Prof. Dr. Sheikh Alomgir Hossain. BdREN General Manager (Systems and Services), K. Rashedul Arefin, presented on the HEAT Project’s scope and BdREN services, while BdREN Manager (Sales) Biplab Chandra Mahanta delivered the welcome address.
Technical sessions followed the inaugural session, focusing on cyber security awareness, generative AI for teaching and research, e-journals and plagiarism, and AI applications in higher education. HEAT Project Technical Specialist Prof. Dr. Mohammad Shafiul Alam Khan and BdREN’s Md Ariful Islam Arman led sessions on cyber security awareness. Rashedul Arefin and Abu Naser Md Nafeu conducted sessions on generative AI for teaching and research, while BdREN Assistant Manager (Knowledge and Research) Ahmed Al Hossain discussed e-journals and plagiarism. Abu Naser Md Nafeu led a session on AI applications in higher education. Approximately 60 educators, including deans and heads of various disciplines at KU, participated in the workshop.