A strong emphasis has been placed on modernizing the country’s skills development initiatives through technology-driven training, hybrid learning, and advanced assessment systems. In line with this objective, policy approval has been given to expand online and in-person (hybrid) training and introduce technology-based evaluation mechanisms.
In this context, the 15th meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Skills Development Authority (NSDA) was held on Monday, 27 April at the Prime Minister’s Office. The meeting was chaired by ABM Abdu’s Sattar, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister.
As a distinguished guest, Mahdi Amin, Advisor (with the rank of State Minister) in charge of the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, and Ministry of Labour and Employment, and spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office, attended the meeting.
NSDA Executive Chairman (Secretary) and Member Secretary of the Executive Committee Dr. Nazneen Kauser Chowdhury presented the organization’s ongoing activities, implementation progress, and future work plan. Secretaries of various ministries, heads of departments and agencies, and representatives from the private sector also participated in the meeting.
The meeting emphasized strengthening national coordination in skills development activities, improving training quality, and developing a skilled workforce aligned with the demands of the international labour market. Detailed discussions were also held on further strengthening the role of NSDA as the apex body for skills development in the country.
During the discussions, emphasis was placed on the formulation of curriculum, training, assessment, and certification activities for Levels 1 to 6 of the Bangladesh National Qualifications Framework (BNQF) in accordance with the NSDA Act and regulations. Relevant ministries and agencies were instructed to work in a coordinated manner in this regard.
It was noted in the meeting that NSDA is the authority for skills development, while the Bangladesh Technical Education Board (BTEB) is responsible for technical education. Therefore, emphasis was placed on the swift implementation of previous directives to amend the BTEB law in order to remove existing overlaps and ambiguities between the two laws. At the same time, a clear division of responsibilities was called for to make skills and technical education activities more effective.
To increase employment opportunities in the international labour market, importance was given to country-specific demand-based training, signing Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRA), and ensuring internationally recognized certification. The necessity of completing assessments immediately after course completion was highlighted to ensure rapid issuance of certificates.
In addition, discussions were held on strengthening language and behavioral training for overseas employment, expanding language training at the district level, and the possibility of conducting training and assessment activities through Bangladesh missions abroad.
The meeting also stated that in order to transform the country’s growing workforce into skilled human resources, it is essential to expand large-scale training programs, introduce industry-demand-based training, and strengthen industry-academia linkages.
At the same time, emphasis was placed on strengthening NSDA’s role in financing skills development activities, selection of training institutions, and quality control.
The meeting decided that regular meetings of the Executive Committee and Governing Board will be held to ensure the swift implementation of policy decisions. It was also urged that all ministries, divisions, and agencies work in a coordinated manner under the leadership of NSDA to transform the country’s large workforce into skilled human resources and create sustainable employment.
DBTech/AFN/EK/OR
