Prof. Dr. A. B. M. Alim Al Islam

Department of CSE, BUET

Title: Computing Solutions to Serve the Under-Served for a Sustainable Future

Abstract: Research efforts, till now, on computing solutions exhibit little focus on the underserved people, even though a substantial part of the world’s population is still underserved. This happens perhaps due to the challenges of reaching them as well as of devising solutions for them while being consistent with their economic constraints. However, for a sustainable future of society and mankind, it is imperative that appropriate computing solutions be devised for the underserved people. In this talk, I would like to focus on our attempts to overcome the challenges associated with this regard and share a few stories on devising specialised computing solutions for underserved people. The attempts to be presented in this talk cover different types of population, such as visually-impaired people, refugees, extremely impoverished people, and even the general people of Bangladesh.

Biography: A. B. M. Alim Al Islam (Razi) received his PhD degree in Computer Engineering from the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA. He is currently serving as a Professor in the Department of CSE, BUET. He also served as a member, R&D in Commlink Info. Tech. LTD, Bangladesh and in Stochastic Logic, ACI, Bangladesh. He is now serving as the Chair of the Incubator as well as the Chief Coordinator of the Research and Innovation Centre in the Department of CSE, BUET. His research interests cover human-computer interaction, networking and systems, ubiquitous computing, modelling and simulation, intelligent transportation, environmental monitoring and sensing, reliability analysis, etc. He has co-authored a number of journal and conference papers and presented his papers in different well-reputed conferences. He achieved several research awards, including best paper awards, best poster awards, best demo award, research grants, etc.

Link to join: https://bdren.zoom.us/j/92592554386?pwd=QqZlUFqAbcwMpDADODlK4BAuVZnOTI.1

Muhammad E. H. Chowdhury, Ph.D., SMIEEE

Qatar University, Qatar

Title: Wearables and AI will be the Game Changer in Digital Healthcare

Abstract: Wearable sensing technologies—powered by advanced AI models—are redefining continuous health monitoring and transforming digital healthcare. This talk presents a series of innovations developed by our research team, spanning clinical-grade physiological signal reconstruction, blind ECG restoration, atrial fibrillation detection, and real-time Holter monitoring systems. We introduce the first framework for reconstructing finger-grade photoplethysmography (fPPG) signals from motion-corrupted wrist PPG (wPPG) using a cascaded 1D-CycleGAN architecture, demonstrating significant improvements in heart-rate estimation accuracy. We further discuss a CycleGAN-based blind ECG restoration method trained on natural Holter recordings, enabling accurate recovery of artifact-corrupted ECG segments in real-world settings. The presentation also highlights our development of Cardiac-Zone, the world’s first lightweight, real-time wearable Holter system capable of wireless ECG streaming and cloud-based arrhythmia detection. Additional results include robust AFib detection from reconstructed wrist-PPG signals, and a novel approach for beat-to-beat non-invasive blood pressure estimation using wearable sensors. Collectively, these works demonstrate how AI-enhanced wearables can deliver clinical-grade accuracy, overcome limitations of traditional optical sensors, and pave the way for scalable, non-invasive continuous monitoring solutions. This talk outlines both the technical innovations and the broader opportunities and challenges in deploying AI-driven wearable systems for next-generation digital healthcare.

Short Biography: Muhammad E. H. Chowdhury received his Ph.D. from the University of Nottingham, U.K., in 2014, followed by a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre. He is currently an Associate Professor and Program Coordinator in the Department of Electrical Engineering at Qatar University. Dr. Chowdhury has an extensive research portfolio, including 10 patents, more than 350 peer-reviewed journal articles, 30+ conference papers, several book chapters, and 4 edited books, with over 16,000 citations and an h-index of 57 on Google Scholar. His research expertise spans biomedical instrumentation, signal processing, wearable sensing, medical image analysis, machine learning, computer vision, embedded systems, and simultaneous EEG/fMRI. He leads multiple major research projects (~USD 6M) funded by the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council (QRDI) and Qatar University, and collaborates with institutions such as HBKU and HMC. He is a Senior Member of IEEE and serves as an Associate Editor for Computers and Electrical Engineering and IEEE Access, as well as a Topic Editor/Review Editor for Frontiers in Neuroscience. Dr. Chowdhury’s contributions have earned several notable awards, including the COVID-19 Dataset Award, the AHS Award from HMC, and the National AI Competition Award. His team also received a gold medal at the 13th International Invention Fair in the Middle East (IIFME). He has been named among the Top 2% most influential scientists globally (2022-2025) by Stanford University.

Shahid Zaman, Canva, Sydney, Australia

Workshop on BDResNET: A Requirement Analysis for Developing A Nationwide Automated Researcher Profiling Platform 

Link to join: https://bdren.zoom.us/j/94217146610?pwd=MWavUSyavCg0SlMA69FIrCacyClrkb.1

Prof. Dr. Rishad Shafik

Director, Microsystems AI Lab, Co-Founder, Literal Labs

Title: Empowering Energy-efficient and Dependable AI at the Edge

Abstract: AI is rapidly shifting from cloud-centric to highly distributed, resource-constrained edge compute devices. This shift requires a fundamental rethink in AI algorithms, systems design, energy efficiency, and trust. In this keynote, I will explore emerging architectures, algorithms, and hardware–software co-design strategies that enable energy-efficient intelligence at the edge while preserving dependability and explainability. Drawing on recent advances made in these aspects using neurosymbolically-inspired frameworks, such as Tsetlin machines, I will demonstrate how we can achieve high performance with drastically reduced computational cost and energy. I will then conclude by sharing my entrepreneurial journey of empowering industrial edge AI technology using logic based machine learning methods.

Short Biography: Rishad Shafik is a Professor of Microelectronic Systems at Newcastle University and an  international leader of hardware/software co-design applied in machine learning systems. His research focuses on design methods, circuits, architectures and algorithms for sustainable and explainable machine learning systems. He has led major collaborative projects with academia and industry, published extensively in leading journals and conferences, and delivered invited talks and keynotes internationally. ​He currently directs the Microsystems AI Lab and is a co-founder of Literal Labs UK.

Prof. Dr. Md. Mahbubul Bashar

Professor, Department of Textile Engineering

Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University

Title: Cellulose Nanofiber: A Sustainable Platform for Next-Generation Health Sensors

Abstract: The rising need for personalized healthcare increases demand for sustainable, high-performance,biocompatible sensors. While traditional materials enabled progress, they face limitations inenvironmental impact and integration with the human body. Cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) possessoutstanding multifunctional properties, including hierarchical structure, strength,biocompatibility, and surface chemistry, making them ideal for sensing devices. The currentresearch aims to utilize the outstanding properties of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) synthesizedfrom both lignocellulosic biomass (jute fiber) and recycled textiles to develop resilient,multifunctional films and composite hydrogels suitable for wearable sensor applications. Thesehydrogels are reinforced synergistically with cellulose micro- and nanocrystals and enhancedwith two-dimensional MXene nanosheets. The resulting composites show remarkablemechanical strength, self-healing abilities, and recyclability. Importantly, these hydrogelsfunction as highly sensitive, multifunctional sensors that accurately and reliably detect humanmovement, physiological signals, and tactile pressure. By incorporating cellulose microfibersderived from biomass or textile waste, this approach not only promotes the circular economy butalso provides a scalable, sustainable method for producing advanced materials for personalhealth monitoring and human-machine interfaces.

Bio: Dr. Md Mahbubul Bashar is currently a Professor in the Department ofTextile Engineering at Mawlana Bhashani Science and TechnologyUniversity, Bangladesh. He received his PhD in Applied Chemistry fromTohoku University, Japan, in 2018, supported by a distinguishedMonbukagakusho doctoral fellowship specializing in nanocellulose. Dr.Bashar possesses demonstrated expertise in various aspects of textilefiber processing, coloration, and finishing. His research interestsencompass sustainable processing in textiles, including the developmentof innovative fabrics and garments utilizing nanotechnology to produce antimicrobial and flame-retardant textiles; the design and fabrication of bioplastics derived from cellulose nanocrystals;and conductive hydrogels and nanocomposites for advanced sensing applications in wearableelectronics. He has published over 20 journal articles, receiving more than 1,100 citations.

Link to join: https://bdren.zoom.us/j/97086415393?pwd=Ri878kZBcGZD44NBCEmr9rukHwdoa2.1

Dr. Razib Islam

Senior Manager Networks Connectivity Product, Ooredoo Qatar

Title: Telco AI for beyond connectivity: Imperatives for Industry 5.0

Abstract: As we enter Industry 5.0, telecommunications is shifting from pure connectivity to becoming theintelligence engine of a human-centric, automated, and resilient digital economy. Telco AI is at thecenter of this transformation, enabling networks that are autonomous, predictive, and tightlyintegrated with edge and cloud environments.This keynote highlights how AI-native, autonomous networks deliver zero-touch operations, real-time assurance, and deterministic performance capabilities essential for mission-critical industries,cyber-physical systems, and large-scale automation. These AI-driven capabilities set the foundationfor future industrial environments where reliability and adaptive security are non-negotiable.Beyond operational excellence, Telco AI opens new enterprise revenue pathways. Operators canmove up the value chain through AI-enabled platforms for robotics, digital twins, industrial analytics,and enterprise generative AI delivered from telco-grade edge clouds. In a competitive landscapeshaped by hyperscalers, telcos must leverage their unique assets; network intelligence, trust,regulatory alignment, and local presence.The human-centric vision of Industry 5.0 requires AI that enhances human capability, drivespersonalized digital experiences, and supports sustainable national digital transformation.To lead this era, telcos must invest in AI skills and platforms, strengthen sovereign and secure AIframeworks, monetize network APIs, and build strong ecosystem partnerships.Telco AI is the catalyst that propels operators beyond connectivity thereby enabling the intelligentindustries of tomorrow.

Sayeed Shafayet Chowdhury

Visiting Assistant Professor

Purdue University, CS department

Presentation Title: Enhancing Energy-Efficiency and Visual Understanding of Deep Neural Networks

Abstract:

This talk will cover algorithms (DCT-based input encoding, temporal pruning) for brain-inspired Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs) for ultra-low latency, energy-efficient computation, and novel deep learning methods for unsupervised visual understanding of complex procedures. Future directions include exploring SNN-ANN hybrids for event-camera driven tasks, embodied AI and advancing machine learning techniques to advance biomedical predictive modeling.

Short bio:

Dr. Sayeed Shafayet Chowdhury is a Visiting Assistant Professor in Computer Science at Purdue University. He received his PhD from Purdue ECE in 2024. Sayeed's research spans efficient machine learning, spiking neural networks, computer vision, and biomedical AI. He has published in NeurIPS, ICCV, ECCV, EMNLP, IJCNN, ICMLA, Nature Communications Engineering, Neurocomputing, various IEEE Transactions and IEEE Access. He enjoys teaching, mentoring, and building collaborative learning environments. 

Prof. Dr. Alamgir Hossain

CEO, Digital Readiness & Intelligent Systems (D-Ready) Ltd, UK

Title: Winning in the Global Market: How Responsible AI Is Powering Data-Driven Growth for Industry 5.0 Businesses

Abstract: This keynote will explore how Industry 5.0 businesses can leverage data-driven decision-making and Responsible AI to achieve sustainable growth in an increasingly competitive global market. The session will begin by examining the global shift toward Industry 5.0, highlighting the convergence of human-centric innovation, intelligent automation, and sustainability. It will then address the strategic importance of Responsible AI, focusing on trust, transparency, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance as critical enablers of scalable business transformation.

Professor Hossain will present practical frameworks for integrating AI into core business functions, including operations, quality assurance, supply chains, and strategic planning. A live case study from a manufacturing process will demonstrate how AI can enable real-time auditing, predictive analytics, and risk-aware decision-making to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance product quality. The talk will conclude with actionable insights on how businesses—particularly in emerging economies—can adopt Responsible AI to compete globally while ensuring ethical, resilient, and sustainable growth.

Speaker Profile: Professor Alamgir Hossain:

Professor Alamgir Hossain is a globally recognised academic, AI expert, and industry leader with over 30 years of experience in artificial intelligence, data-driven innovation, and digital transformation. He is the CEO of Digital Readiness and Intelligent Systems (D-Ready) Ltd, UK, and an AI Advisor to ACI Ltd, a multinational group with 32 businesses and over 30,000 employees. Professor Hossain holds a PhD from the University of Sheffield and has held senior leadership roles across the UK, Bangladesh, and Cambodia, including Vice President of Academic Affairs & Research at CamTech University and Professor of AI at UK universities.

His research spans Responsible AI, intelligent decision support systems, cybersecurity, robotics, and Industry 5.0 applications. He has secured over £16 million in international research funding, published more than 350 peer-reviewed articles, and supervised 15 PhD students. Professor Hossain is the creator of RaiDOT.ai, an Innovate UK-funded platform for AI risk governance, and regularly advises governments, universities, and industries on trustworthy AI for sustainable growth.

Panelist-01

Mohammad Tawrit

Chief Exectuive Officer (CEO), Bangladesh Research & Education Network (BdREN)

Panelist-02 (Industry) 

Mohammed Jabbar

Managing Director, DBL Group; Founder, Neural Semiconductor Ltd. 

Panelist-03 (Industry) 

Dr. Raashid Ashraf Khan

Director & Business Partner, Assurer at work Ltd

Panelist-04 (Academia)

Prof. Dr. Asaduzzaman

Project Director (Deputation), Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) Project & Professor, Dept. of CSE, CUET

Panelist-05 (Academia)

Prof. Dr. Yusuf Mahbubul Islam

Vice-chancellor, Southeast University

Panelist-06 (Academia)

Prof. Shamim Ara Hassan 

Vice-chancellor, Sonargaon University

Workshop on BDResNET: A Requirement Analysis for Developing A Nationwide Automated Researcher Profiling Platform