4th International Symposium on Quality Assurance in Engineering Education begins in Dhaka

The 4th International Symposium on Quality Assurance in Engineering Education through Accreditation commenced in Dhaka on Monday, aiming to enhance and standardize the quality of engineering education in Bangladesh.

The two-day event, scheduled for December 8–9, is jointly organized by the Board of Accreditation for Engineering and Technical Education (BAETE) and the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) at the Grand Ballroom of Hotel Inter Continental Dhaka, starting at 9:00 am, according to a press release. 

The programme opened with a welcome speech by Prof Dr S. Reza Chowdhury, Vice Chairman of BAETE, who highlighted the critical role of accreditation in ensuring global standards, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement, collaborative efforts among institutions, and international partnerships to elevate engineering education in Bangladesh.

The inaugural session was graced by Adilur Rahman Khan, Adviser to the Ministry of Industries and the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, as the chief guest.

In his remarks, he said, “Ensuring quality in engineering education is one of the key prerequisites for sustainable development. Events like this are crucial for aligning our education system with international standards.”

Several distinguished international and national guests attended the symposium, including Professor Kai Sang Lock, Chair of the Washington Accord, Ms Daniela Iacona, Deputy Chair of the Sydney Accord and Director of International Engagement and Governance at ABET, and Engr Mohammad Reazul Islam, President of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB).

Professor Kai Sang Lock stressed the global significance of accreditation, “Accreditation is an essential process to ensure world-class engineering education. After receiving full recognition under the Washington Accord, engineering degrees accredited in Bangladesh will now be considered globally competitive. To sustain this recognition, it is critical to maintain and continuously improve the quality of engineering education. Only then can Bangladeshi engineers successfully compete on a global scale.”

Ms Daniela Iacona added, “International recognition plays a vital role in ensuring quality education. Bangladesh’s initiatives in this area will bring long-term benefits for future generations.”

Engr Mohammad Reazul Islam said, “IEB has been working for many years to enhance the quality of engineering education, and this international symposium will further accelerate those efforts.”

The opening session concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof Dr Tanvir Manzur, Chairman of BAETE, who said, “The main objective of this symposium is to ensure internationally benchmarked engineering education through accreditation. This platform will play an effective role in achieving that goal.”

According to organisers, the symposium will feature technical sessions, panel discussions, research presentations, and experience-sharing sessions with participation from both local and international experts.

The organisers expressed optimism that the event would strengthen Bangladesh’s standing in global engineering education and open new horizons for a more robust and internationally recognized quality assurance system, the release adds.