Dhaka hosts global symposium on engineering quality

The 4th edition of the symposium, jointly organised by the Board of Accreditation for Engineering and Technical Education (BAETE) and the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB), was inaugurated at 9am at the Grand Ballroom of the InterContinental Dhaka.

The programme began with a welcome speech by BAETE Vice Chairman Prof Dr S. Reza Chowdhury, who highlighted the vital role of accreditation in ensuring internationally benchmarked education. “Accreditation is indispensable for global quality assurance. Through continuous improvement, institutional collaboration, and international partnerships, we can further strengthen the standard of engineering education in Bangladesh,” he said.

Adviser to the Ministry of Industries and the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, Adilur Rahman Khan, attended the ceremony as chief guest. “Ensuring the quality of engineering education is a key prerequisite for sustainable development. Such international events will play a crucial role in making our education system aligned with global standards,” he said.

Guests from home and abroad joined the symposium, including Prof Kai Sang Lock, Chair of the Washington Accord;  Daniela Iacona, Deputy Chair of the Sydney Accord and Director of International Engagement & Governance at ABET; and IEB President Engr Mohammad Rezaul Islam.

Prof Kai Sang Lock noted that Bangladesh’s attainment of full signatory status in the Accord framework means accredited Bangladeshi engineering degrees will enjoy international recognition. “However, it is essential to maintain consistent quality to uphold this recognition. Only by ensuring high-quality education can Bangladeshi engineers compete successfully on the global stage,” he added.

Daniela Iacona said, “International recognition plays a vital role in ensuring educational quality. Bangladesh’s efforts will bring long-term benefits for future generations.”

IEB President Engr Mohammad Rezaul Islam emphasised the institution’s longstanding commitment to improving engineering education in the country. “This international symposium will further strengthen our ongoing efforts,” he said.

The opening ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks from BAETE Chairman Prof Dr Tanvir Manzur. “The core objective of this symposium is to ensure globally recognised engineering education. It will serve as an effective platform toward achieving that goal,” he said.

According to organisers, the event will feature technical sessions, panel discussions, research presentations and knowledge-sharing segments with participation from national and international experts.

They expressed hope that the symposium will reinforce Bangladesh’s global standing in engineering education and pave the way for enhanced quality assurance across the sector, reports UNB.