AI in Academia: ChatGPT’s Impact on Bangladesh’s Higher Education Future

The integration of ChatGPT in Bangladeshi higher education remains uneven despite its rapid global uptake. This study investigates how students across four higher education institutions in Sherpur district are adopting ChatGPT, drawing on mixed methods data from surveys (n=191), interviews (n=17), and focus group discussions (n=16). Findings reveal a sharp increase in ChatGPT usage, from just 5% in 2022 to 49% by 2025. However, significant disparities exist between urban and rural students (78% vs. 32% adoption), with concerns raised around ethical use, academic integrity, and limited access to AI tools in less developed areas. While many students recognize the tool’s educational potential, their experiences also highlight infrastructural and literacy barriers. These insights call for policy interventions that ensure equitable AI integration, with a focus on access, training, and responsible usage across Bangladesh’s higher education landscape.