Dhaka, Bangladesh – The Bangladesh Maritime University (BMU) and The U.S. Department of State successfully concluded a comprehensive training program focused on integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into maritime operations. The Fulbright Specialist Program, titled “Smart Port Management: Empowering Economic Prosperity with AI Bootcamp,” was held at the BMU campus from August 31 to September 25, 2025.
The intensive course, designed in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh and BMU’s Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), aimed to elevate the country’s maritime sector by incorporating global best practices in smart port management, AI applications, and shipping automation.
Global Expertise and Key Stakeholders
The training was led by Dr. Burak Cankaya, the Fulbright Program Specialist from the U.S. Department of State and an Associate Professor in the Department of Decision Sciences and Analytics at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, USA.
Participants in the program included all Deans, Heads of Departments, and Faculty Members of BMU, along with representatives from key national maritime stakeholders, ensuring direct practical application. These organizations included:
Chittagong Port Authority, Mongla Port Authority, Payra Port Authority (whose Chairman, Rear Admiral Masud Iqbal, was also present), Chittagong Dry Dock Limited, BIWTA, Department of Shipping, Khulna Shipyard.
The bootcamp provided hands-on instruction, collaborative workshops, and strategic guidance to both academic staff and industry professionals.
Certificate Award Ceremony
The program culminated in a Certificate Award Ceremony held at the BMU auditorium on September 24, 2025,
The ceremony was graced by the Vice Chancellor of BMU, Rear Admiral Dr. Khandakar Akhter Hossain, NUP, ndc, psc, PhD, who attended as the Chief Guest.
Also present at the event were Dr. Durga Rani Sarker, Director of Strategic Planning and Quality Assurance (SPQA) of UGC, Richard Bruner, Deputy Director of Public Engagement of the U.S. Embassy, Phillip Grove, U.S. Speaker and Director of Business Development, Ellicott Dredge Enterprises, LLC
The successful completion of the program is expected to pave the way for enhanced economic prosperity by modernizing port and shipping operations through cutting-edge AI technology in Bangladesh.
