Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) Professor Dr Md Shahinul Alam on Monday said the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in medical science is inevitable, and Bangladesh must embrace it to ensure progress in healthcare.

“There’s no alternative to using AI in medical fields such as pathology, radiology, and oncology. BMU must lead the way in integrating AI in Bangladesh’s medical science,” he said while speaking as the chief guest at a central university seminar titled “Artificial Intelligence in Medical Science: Today and Tomorrow” held at the university’s A-Block Auditorium.

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Organised by the University Central Seminar Sub-Committee, the seminar also featured Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof Dr Md Abul Kalam Azad as special guest. “There’s no scope to ignore AI anymore. Without adopting AI, the medical sector will lag behind,” he said, adding that AI can be a vital tool in early detection of diseases like cancer.

Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research & Development) Prof Dr Md Mujibur Rahman Howlader said BMU is ready to collaborate with BUET to ensure AI integration in medical education and services. “A robotic rehabilitation center based on AI has already been established in BMU’s Super Specialized Hospital,” he added.

Treasurer of BMU, Prof Dr Nahrin Akhter, emphasized the growing importance of AI in diagnosis, investigations, and treatment. “Though AI is still a relatively new concept in Bangladesh, it has already proven indispensable in global healthcare,” she said.

Presenting the keynote speech titled “Artificial Intelligence: The Landscape in Clinical Medicine”, BMU syndicate member Prof Dr FM Siddiqi highlighted the transformation AI is bringing to clinical practice.

On the other hand, Prof Dr Syed Md Akram Hossain, Chairman of the Clinical Oncology Department, presented a paper titled "AI in Oncology: A Paradigm Shift in Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment” while

Prof Dr Tawfiq Hasan from BUET’s Biomedical Engineering Department spoke on “AI in Medicine – Challenges and Opportunities in Bangladesh.”

Discussants at the seminar highlighted the benefits, opportunities, challenges, and limitations of AI in medical science.

The event was chaired by Central Seminar Sub-Committee Chairperson Prof Dr Afzalun Nesa and moderated by Associate Prof Dr Khaled Mahbub Morshed Mamun.

The seminar was edited by Dr Saiful Azam Ranzu and photographed by Md Arif Khan. The news was compiled by Prashanta Majumder.