A two-day Robo Carnival, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, began at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) on Thursday, aiming to promote innovation, research culture, and skill development among young people.
The inaugural ceremony started at ECE building at 9:00 am, where Education Adviser Professor Chowdhury Rafiq Abrar was the chief guest. Special guests included Energy and Mineral Resources Division Secretary Mohammad Saiful Islam, and BUET Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Abdul Hasib Chowdhury.
The carnival has been jointly organised by North-West Power Generation Company Limited (NWPGCL) and BUET Robotics Society, with cooperation from BUET's Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE).
Students from 41 public and private universities along with 36 schools and colleges are participating in the carnival with various robotic inventions and innovative projects.
On Thursday, competitions such as the Line Follower Robot (LFR) Challenge, Fire Fighting Bot, and Robo Wrestling were held. On Friday, events including Power Up 4.0 - Idea Challenge, Robo Olympiad, and Project Showcasing will take place. Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan will attend the prize-giving ceremony as the chief guest.
Speaking at the inaugural session, the education adviser said since assuming office, he has become increasingly aware of the challenges facing science education and research in Bangladesh - particularly limitations in resources, laboratory facilities, and policy frameworks.
"Many of these problems cannot be solved easily through financial resources alone. A supportive policy environment can make a significant difference, if there is genuine goodwill, which is something we seriously lack."
He said initiatives like Robo Carnival expand creative thinking, strengthen innovative capacity, and create vital opportunities for interaction between young researchers, innovators, and experienced professionals.
"I think today this kind of cross-fertilization of ideas is extremely important. Young innovators will be guided, their ideas will be tested, and they will be better prepared for the new world they are entering."
He also noted that smart robotics and AI would not only enhance skills, but also contribute to safety, reliability, and development.
"Our dependency on foreign technology and experts must be reduced. Developing local technological capability is essential," he added.
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