National University, ACCA partner on skills and jobs
National University, Bangladesh's largest higher education institution and the second largest in Asia, produces approximately one million graduates annually.
However, a significant proportion remain unemployed, lacking industry-relevant skills. Simultaneously, industrial organisations report operational challenges due to a shortage of skilled professionals. Addressing this gap, National University has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
The MoU was signed at the British High Commissioner's residence in Dhaka on Tuesday, 7 April 2026. UK Trade Envoy to Bangladesh Baroness Rosie Winterton, a member of the House of Lords, and British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke witnessed the signing. Signatories included National University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr ASM Amanullah, ACCA Bangladesh Country Manager Prawma Tapashi Khan FCCA, and Senior Business Development Manager Shah Waliul Manzoor.
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Other attendees included National University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Md Lutfar Rahman, Acting Director of the International Desk Raj Bin Kashem, Section Officer Nusrat Islam, Director of Trade Shakib Ershad, and Trade and Investment Manager Syed Habibur Rahman of the British High Commission's trade and investment team.
The MoU aims to equip National University students with skills aligned to the requirements of national and international employers, preparing them for careers in the corporate sector, SMEs, accounting firms, and business process outsourcing.
The partnership will give National University graduates access to the ACCA qualification pathway, starting with the Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) programme. Organisers noted that this opportunity will support academic development, offer a pathway to the internationally recognised ACCA qualification, and expand employment prospects.
National University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr ASM Amanullah said, "This strategic collaboration marks a significant breakthrough in employability skills and will lay a solid foundation for the advancement of accounting and finance education in Bangladesh. The partnership will facilitate knowledge exchange, capacity-building, and the integration of global standards into the education system."
Baroness Rosie Winterton said, "I am delighted to witness the signing of this MoU. This agreement formalises a new partnership to expand access to international qualifications for nearly 25,000 National University students. It is another example of the UK-Bangladesh partnership."
ACCA Bangladesh Country Manager Prawma Tapashi Khan said, "For many students, education is not only about earning a degree, but also about employability. This partnership will create a tangible pathway for National University students to launch their careers via the Certified Accounting Technician qualification."
