Dhaka: The Bangladesh Association of Librarians, Information Scientists and Documentalists (BALID) recently celebrated its 40th anniversary by hosting a comprehensive conference on the theme ‘Digital Transformation of Libraries with Artificial Intelligence’ at the WVA Auditorium in Dhanmondi, Dhaka.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the conference was inaugurated by BALID Chairman Dr. Md. Moniruzzaman and featured a keynote speech by Conference Convenor Prof. Dr. Md. Mostafizur Rahman, who underscored the importance of embracing digital advancements in library services. Dr. Nasim Iqbal, the guest of honour, drew from his professional experiences in Australia to provide valuable insights into the evolving role of libraries.
BALID Secretary General AKM Nurul Alam (Apu) coordinated the event, while Vice-Chairman Razina Akhtar moderated the open discussion session. The conference program included five research papers presented during three technical sessions chaired by Prof. Dr. S. M. Zabed Ahmed (DU), Prof. Dr. Md. Saiful Islam (DU), and Dr. Md. Zahid Hossain Shoeb (NSU).
Presenters from various institutions shared their research, including Zakir Hossain, an IB Teacher Librarian from Switzerland, Jahid Bin Sultan from MIST, Dr. Md. Nurul Islam Mahfuz from IIUC, Md. Mubassir Ahsan from IUB, and Md. Atikuzzaman from NSTU. The event attracted over 70 participants, comprising library and information science professionals, academicians, and ICT experts.
During the open discussion, senior professionals emphasized the necessity of continuing BALID’s initiatives in the face of rapid digital changes. The celebration concluded with a ceremonial cake-cutting, marking four decades of BALID’s contributions to the field.