The 4th International Symposium on Quality Assurance in Engineering Education through Accreditation opened in Dhaka on Monday, bringing together global accreditation leaders, academics and policymakers to advance the quality and international recognition of Bangladesh’s engineering education.
The two-day event, organized by the Board of Accreditation for Engineering and Technical Education (BAETE) and the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB), is being held at the InterContinental Dhaka.
BAETE Vice Chairman Prof Dr S Reza Chowdhury, in his welcome address, called for stronger institutional collaboration and continuous improvement to meet global standards.
Attending as chief guest, Adviser to the Ministry of Industries and the Ministry of Housing and Public Works Adilur Rahman Khan said: “Ensuring quality in engineering education is a prerequisite for sustainable national development. Platforms like this symposium are vital for aligning our education system with international standards.”
International accreditation leaders, including Washington Accord Chair Prof Kai Sang Lock and Sydney Accord Deputy Chair and ABET Director Daniela Iacona, emphasized that sustaining global recognition requires transparent governance, strong peer review and outcome-based education.
Prof Lock noted that engineering degrees accredited in Bangladesh will gain global competitiveness under the Washington Accord but warned that “continuous enhancement of educational quality” is essential.
Speakers also highlighted the need for entrepreneurship-driven curricula, sustainability-focused engineering education and leadership skills to prepare graduates for future technological and societal challenges.
The symposium’s first day closed with a networking session and cultural program, with participants expressing optimism that the event will strengthen accreditation systems and deepen international collaboration.
