The government has begun implementing the Bangladesh National Qualifications Framework (BNQF) to ensure global standards in education.
The implementation of the framework from the primary to higher education levels began on Sunday, facilitated by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and funded by the European Union, a high-level government source confirmed to Dhaka Tribune on Sunday evening.
The framework was prepared in line with the models of some Asian and European countries as well as the USA. The government began work on the framework in 2016.
The Technical and Madrasah Education Division under the Ministry of Education prepared the framework with technical assistance from the ILO-managed “Skills-21” project. The University Grants Commission has also developed a national qualifications framework for higher studies under the Bangladesh Accreditation Council (BAC), which provides guidance to students pursuing higher education.
The national qualifications framework was mentioned in the National Skill Development Policy, 2011. Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni finalized the uniform national qualifications framework on June 3, 2021.
At the time, the minister said the framework would help prioritize, job-, skills-, and innovation-oriented education that is acceptable under international standards.
Prof Muhammed Alamgir, UGC member and former vice chancellor of Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (Kuet), said: “If Bangladesh develops a national qualification framework, any student can get information about the learning processes and skills before his or her admission or studies in different sectors.”
He hoped that the framework would help maintain international standards in Bangladesh's education system.
The BNQF covers all sectors, including the skills, technical, madrasa, vocational, and academic sectors. It was designed based on a credit point system and qualification levels. The 10-level framework provides for effective coordination and interconnection of higher education, general, technical and madrasa education.
In addition, under this framework, the government will formulate a national policy aimed at determining the educational and employment trajectory of students to develop human resources.
Many private universities in the country already follow the US model of education and offer four-year bachelor programs followed by two-year master's programs.
