The government has decided to have a uniform national qualifications framework in place to ensure global standards in education.
The framework will apply from primary education to higher education levels.
The decision was taken at a virtual meeting to finalize the draft on “National qualifications framework of Bangladesh” prepared by the University Grants Commission (UGC) on Tuesday.
During the meeting, the UGC proposed a draft of the National Qualification Framework (NQF) for higher education, while the Ministry of Education submitted Bangladesh Qualification Framework (BQF) for other education criteria.
However, Education Minister Dipu Moni, addressing the event, said instead of two frameworks, a uniform national qualification framework should be enacted after reviewing both draft papers.
The final framework would be prepared in line with the models of some Asian countries as well as Europe and the USA, which will harmonize the qualifications with international standards, said stakeholders at the meeting.
Dipu Moni focused on ensuring quality education where job-oriented education, skills and innovation will get priority, which will also be acceptable on the scale of international standards.
UGC member and ex-vice chancellor of Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) Prof Muhammed Alamgir said the government would have a single framework after reviewing NQF and BQF draft papers within a month.
The UGC has developed a national qualifications framework for higher studies for Bangladesh Accreditation Council (BAC), which would provide guidance to students pursuing higher education, he added.
If Bangladesh can develop a national qualification framework, any student can get information about the learning process and skills before his or her admission or studies in different sectors, said Alamgir.
The framework will help maintain international standards in Bangladesh’s education system, he hoped.
NQF covers all sectors including skills, technical, vocational, and academic sectors. It was designed based on a credit point system and qualification levels.
The country's higher education system is designed under three structures - bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees.
Many private universities in the country follow the US model of education and offer four-year bachelor programs followed by two-year master’s programs.
