Highlights:
- Singapore evaluates DU bachelor’s degree as equivalent to a foundation course.
- Master’s degree considered equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree.
- Several Bangladeshis face employment pass challenges abroad due to this evaluation.
Singapore’s Education Evaluation
Recently, Shamsul Islam (pseudonym), a graduate of Dhaka University (DU), applied to renew his employment pass in Singapore. He works at a financial institution there. Singapore assigns 40 points for employment pass applications, with 10 points allocated for educational qualifications. This year, the country started evaluating foreign degrees through an official credential recognition system.
When Shamsul submitted his DU bachelor’s degree and master’s degrees, Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower stated that his master’s degree is equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree, but his DU bachelor’s degree is only considered equivalent to a foundation course. Therefore, he received no points for it. The ministry suggested he could reapply by submitting only his bachelor’s degree and meeting the minimum points based on salary, diversity, and local employment contribution.
Other Bangladeshis Affected
Several other Bangladeshi professionals reported that degrees from National University are treated as diplomas in Singapore, causing problems in employment pass renewals. Similarly, in the US, students who complete master’s programs in social sciences at Bangladeshi universities often have to complete additional courses before pursuing PhD programs.
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Expert Opinions on International Recognition
Education experts say the lack of international recognition stems from the rapid increase in universities, inconsistent quality, outdated curricula, and absence of agreements with accreditation bodies.
Dr. S.M. Hafizur Rahman, Professor at DU’s Institute of Education and Research, said:
“আমাদের ঢাকা বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ের শিক্ষার্থীরা বিশ্বজুড়েই মেধার স্বাক্ষর রাখছেন। আমাদের ডিগ্রিও আন্তর্জাতিকভাবে অত্যন্ত গুরুত্ব পায়। সিঙ্গাপুরে কেন এমনটা ঘটেছে সেটি বলা কঠিন।”
Translation: “Our Dhaka University students are recognized for their talent worldwide. Our degrees are highly respected internationally. It is difficult to say why this has happened in Singapore.”
He added that some challenges exist due to limited research funding, infrastructure, and the fact that universities often do not update curriculum or faculty research online regularly. Accreditation by international bodies could help improve recognition.
Accreditation Issues in Bangladesh
The Bangladesh Accreditation Council, established in 2018, has not yet issued accreditation certificates, although five private universities have pending applications. Its chairman, Prof. Dr. Mesbahuddin Ahmed, said:
“দেশে শিক্ষার মান আশানুরূপ নয়। মান নিশ্চিতে যে ধরনের উদ্যোগ দরকার সেটিও দেখা যাচ্ছে না।”
Translation: “The quality of education in the country is not up to expectations. The necessary initiatives to ensure quality are not being fully implemented.”
International Concerns
Denmark recently expressed concerns over Bangladeshi students, reporting that many struggle to adapt to Danish education standards, which may affect future visa approvals.
Prof. Dr. S.M.A. Faiz, former DU Vice-Chancellor, said:
“বিশ্বজুড়ে ঢাকা বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ের শিক্ষার্থীরা অত্যন্ত ভালো করছে। কোথাও ঢাকা বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ের সার্টিফিকেট গ্রহণ করা হয়নি এমন কোনো ঘটনা আমাদের জানা নেই।”
Translation: “Dhaka University students perform very well worldwide. We are not aware of any case where DU certificates were not accepted.”
He noted that the increase in universities without ensuring proper infrastructure and quality has created a higher education crisis in Bangladesh.
Source: Bonik Barta
