BOU hosts workshop on blended TVET in Bangladesh

A Stakeholder Consultation Workshop on Blended TVET in Bangladesh, a joint initiative by the Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (CEMCA)/Commonwealth of Learning (COL), Canada, and Bangladesh Open University (BOU), was inaugurated on May 5, 2025, Monday, at 10:30 AM, at the Central Conference Hall of the University's Gazipur campus.

The Chief Guest, Professor Dr. SMA Faiz, the Honourable Chairman of the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh, graced the opening session. In his address, he said, "The rapid changes in technology, industry, and skill training across the world highlight the need to modernise and make Bangladesh's Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system more inclusive and responsive to these changes. The Blended Learning approach—which combines online and face-to-face learning—opens new possibilities in this sector. The primary objective of this workshop is to devise a unified strategy based on the insights, experiences, and recommendations of policymakers, academics, industry leaders, training providers, and other stakeholders, which will support the successful implementation of Blended TVET in Bangladesh. The University Grants Commission believes that such stakeholder consultation workshops at the Bangladesh Open University will play a key role in formulating quality, competency-based, and labour-market-oriented education policies."

The session was chaired by Professor Dr A B M Obaidul Islam, the Vice Chancellor of Bangladesh Open University (BOU). He said, "Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) plays a crucial role in Bangladesh's development. Providing our youth with the appropriate skills can create employment opportunities and contribute to the country's economic development. However, this cannot be achieved through traditional methods alone; we must integrate modern technologies and new teaching approaches. Through this workshop, we will have the opportunity to gain valuable insights and experiences from various stakeholders, which will enable us to adopt more effective strategies for the development of our TVET system. This workshop is not just a discussion session but a landmark step that will open new horizons for the successful implementation of Blended TVET in Bangladesh. I thank everyone and hope this workshop will provide us with a strong roadmap for the future."

The Honourable Guest at the event, Mr Siddique Zobair, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, and a member of BOU's Board of Governors, shared his thoughts. He said, "I am very pleased to be part of this important Stakeholder Consultation Workshop on Blended TVET in Bangladesh hosted by the Bangladesh Open University. The Ministry of Education, particularly the Department of Secondary and Higher Education, is committed to developing technical and vocational education (TVET) in Bangladesh. Given the rapid advancement of technology and the changing demands of the labour market, we must bring about a transformative change in our education system. I believe that by organising such workshops, Bangladesh Open University will play a key role in this effort."

Dr M Shamsher Ali, Emeritus Professor, Founder and Vice Chancellor of BOU, was a special guest at the event. He said, "Bangladesh is progressing in its development journey, and there is no alternative to developing skilled human resources to accelerate this progress. Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is the key tool for creating a skilled workforce. To keep pace with the changing demands of the times and technological advancements, we need to modernise and make the TVET system at the Bangladesh Open University more effective. If we work together and share our experiences and recommendations, we can ensure the successful implementation of the Blended TVET system. This will modernise our education system and create a brighter future for our youth."

The Director of CEMCA, India, Dr Basheerhamad Shadrach, delivered the keynote address virtually. He stated, "The process of implementing Blended TVET in Bangladesh is significant, and I believe it will strengthen the country's education system and make it internationally competitive. Blended Learning, where online and face-to-face Learning are combined, has emerged as one of the most powerful modern education means. This approach will create opportunities for students to acquire suitable training, independence, and new skills. In countries like India, we have seen how the Blended TVET system allows students to learn at their own pace, acquire the necessary skills, and prepare for employment. It offers multiple benefits, such as enhancing skills through new technologies and tools, offering opportunities for self-paced Learning, and providing cost-effective education that overcomes financial barriers for students."

The opening session was followed by a welcome address delivered by Professor Dr Dil Rowshan Zinnat Ara Nazneen, BOU's pro Vice-Chancellor (Academics). Professor Sayeed Ferdous, PhD, BOU's Pro Vice-Chancellor (Administration), presented the vote of thanks. Dr Shafiqul Alam, BOU's registrar, moderated the event.

Thirty-seven teachers and officers from various schools and Divisions of BOU participated in the workshop. During the seminar, fruitful discussions occurred on the potential, challenges, and implementation strategies of Blended TVET education in Bangladesh.