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Published : 23 Apr 2026, 03:21 PM
Cambridge English and Compass Education Ltd, an education consultancy firm, have jointly hosted two rounds of discussions aimed at preparing Bangladesh's workforce for global competitiveness through English proficiency and employability skills.
Commonly dubbed “Focus Group Discussion”, the event was held at the American International University Bangladesh (AIUB) in Dhaka on Wednesday, according to a press release from Cambridge English.
The organisers and participants believe the talks will greatly help “shape” the country’s future, calling for a significant shift in how English is taught and assessed in Bangladesh.
Leaders from the corporate, academic, and career development sectors shared their views on how Bangladesh can harness the power of English proficiency and employability skills to boost the national progress, Cambridge said.
Titled "English Language Assessment in Corporate Recruitment: Preparing Bangladesh’s Workforce for a Changing Economy", the first round highlighted the growing demand for English communication skills in private sector.
It suggested standardised language proficiency frameworks, including a minimum B2 level of English for corporate roles, alongside assessment of emotional intelligence, resilience and other employability skills during recruitment.
Industry experts emphasised a skilled, English-proficient workforce as the country progresses towards graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.
They said a staggering 52 percent of students and early-career professionals admitted to lacking confidence in their English language abilities.
The confession highlights a crucial gap between the current educational system and the ever-evolving needs of the job market, they added.
According to them, English proficiency is not only a secondary skill but a core requirement for students and job seekers aiming to thrive in the globalised economy.
The last round of the discussions called "From Curriculum to Career: Connecting Higher Education with Hiring and Workplace Expectations" insisted on bridging the divide between academic education and the real-world expectations of employers.
“In a rapidly evolving global job market, the need for outcome-based education, structured career development programs, and enhanced language training has never been more urgent,” the discussion was told.
The speakers demanded an urgent national dialogue on the future of English language education and its direct impact on employability in Bangladesh.
AIUB Director Md Manirul Islam, Meghna Group of Industries Chief Human Resources Officer Atiq uz Zaman Khan, and Cambridge English official Sangeeta Mehta, among others, spoke at the event.
