Education Adviser Dr. C.R. Abrar spoke as the chief guest at the international conference held in Dhaka University today. Photo: PID

DHAKA, Dec 12, 2025 (BSS) – Education Adviser Dr. C.R. Abrar has said that proficiency in artificial intelligence (AI) is now essential in the library profession.

“AI will not replace librarians—rather, those who cannot use AI will be the ones replaced. Learning AI is now mandatory for librarians,” he said.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the international conference titled “Reimagining Librarianship: Forging the Future with AI Technologies” held today at the Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building of Dhaka University.

The conference discussions focused on four major themes: the role of AI in modern libraries and information services, emerging opportunities, challenges, and future preparedness.

The Education Adviser said artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming modern education and the information service sector, and it is essential for librarians to take the lead in this transformation.

“Artificial intelligence is not merely a technological development—it is the next chapter in the evolution of human knowledge. If librarians do not become partners in this transformation, they risk losing their role as gatekeepers of knowledge,” he added.

Researchers from various countries, including a former president of the American Library Association (ALA), attended the event.