Published: 07:19 PM, 16 September 2026
Dhaka University Committee Submits Concept Paper on Expanding Third-Language Education at IML
A committee formed to explore ways to expand, strengthen, and accelerate the third-language education programme at the Institute of Modern Languages (IML) of the University of Dhaka today submitted its concept paper to Prof. Dr. Abdus Salam, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education), who is currently performing the routine duties of the University’s Vice-Chancellor.
A delegation of the committee, led by its Convener, Prof. Dr. A K M Waliul Islam, an Additional Professor at the Institute of Modern Languages, handed over the concept paper to Prof. Dr. Abdus Salam at a meeting on Wednesday morning.
The concept paper contains a set of recommendations aimed at developing a pool of proficient and qualified third-language teachers at various institutes across Bangladesh, while also expanding employment opportunities for Bangladeshis abroad and contributing to enhanced income prospects and professional standing through language proficiency.
To review the concept paper and formulate a comprehensive action plan, a seminar will be held at 4:00pm on September 21, 2026, at the Prof. Abdul Matin Chowdhury Virtual Classroom.
University of Dhaka Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. A B M Obaidul Islam will attend the seminar as the chief guest.
The seminar will be chaired by Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) Prof. Dr. Abdus Salam. Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Prof. Dr. Mohammad Almojadedi Alfesani and Director General of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education Prof. Dr. Khan Moinuddin Al Mahmud Sohel will attend as special guests.
Initiative to Strengthen Third-Language Education
It may be recalled that a consultation meeting aimed at further strengthening, enhancing the effectiveness, and accelerating third-language education programmes at the Institute of Modern Languages was held on August 30, 2026 (Sunday) at the Prof. Abdul Matin Chowdhury Virtual Classroom.
The meeting was chaired by University of Dhaka Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. A B M Obaidul Islam.
During the meeting, participants underscored the growing importance of third-language proficiency and reviewed the capacity of the Institute of Modern Languages to provide instruction in a range of languages, including Arabic, French, Japanese, German, Chinese, Korean, and English.
The meeting also discussed the formulation of new programmes and modernization of existing initiatives at the Institute in alignment with the government’s language-education programmes. Participants further deliberated on organizing specialized training programmes and developing an adequate pool of skilled human resources capable of delivering third-language instruction nationwide.
The meeting highlighted that acquiring proficiency in additional languages is increasingly important for enhancing the competitiveness of Bangladeshi workers in international labour markets, particularly in the Middle East and other overseas destinations.
Against this backdrop, the government has placed considerable emphasis on third-language education as part of broader efforts to enhance the skills and employability of Bangladeshi workers in the global labour market.
The meeting therefore stressed the need to further expand and modernize third-language education programmes at the Institute of Modern Languages, particularly in consideration of the growing demand for skilled and linguistically competent Bangladeshi workers overseas.
Nine-Member Committee Formed
During the consultation meeting, a nine-member committee, headed by Prof. Dr. A K M Waliul Islam as Convener, was constituted to assess the Institute of Modern Languages’ capacity to provide instruction in a third language alongside Bengali and English and to formulate recommendations in this regard.
The committee subsequently conducted its assessment and submitted the concept paper today.
The initiative is expected to contribute to the development of a more structured and responsive third-language education framework, with a particular focus on strengthening language skills, expanding international employment opportunities, and developing a skilled workforce equipped to meet the evolving requirements of the global labour market.
