Mohidul Islam (Shaheen) from Khulna

Emphasis on formulating a timely and internationally standard curriculum to tackle the challenges of climate change. A two-day training program was held at Khulna Agricultural University (KAU) aimed at designing and implementing an Outcome-Based Education (OBE) curriculum. Organized by the university's Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), the training—titled "Design and Implementation of Outcome-Based Education (OBE) Curriculum"—took place on September 13 and 14 at the university auditorium.

Professor Dr. Masuma Habib, a member of the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh, attended the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest. She was welcomed with flowers and presented with a commemorative memento on behalf of Khulna Agricultural University.

The event was attended by the Honorable Vice-Chancellor of Khulna Agricultural University, Professor Dr. Md. Asaduzzaman Sarkar, as the chief patron, and the university's Treasurer, Professor Dr. Shamim Ahmed Kamal Uddin Khan, as a special guest. Dr. M. A. Hannan, Director (Acting) of IQAC, presided over the event, while Mr. Md. Asadur Rahman, Additional Director (Acting) of IQAC, moderated the proceedings.

Speaking as the chief guest, UGC member Professor Dr. Masuma Habib stated that there is no alternative to a modern, up-to-date curriculum for enhancing the quality of higher education. She emphasized the need to formulate curricula for the country's higher education institutions that align with the educational standards and curricula of renowned universities worldwide.

She noted that students should not be limited to merely acquiring academic knowledge; their soft skills, moral values, leadership qualities, and practical skills must also be developed. The OBE method can play a vital role in the integrated development of students' knowledge, skills, and values.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Asaduzzaman Sarkar stated that the impact of climate change could lead to significant transformations and new challenges in the agricultural sector of the southern region. To address these challenges, it is crucial to formulate a curriculum that is timely, practical, and meets international standards.

He mentioned that the university authorities are earnestly working to launch modern, world-class educational programs at Khulna Agricultural University (KhAU) by adopting the educational models and curricula of renowned global universities. He expressed his firm resolve to transform KhAU into a high-quality higher education institution through the integrated development of education and research. Dr. Md. Shahed Reza, a professor in the Department of Fisheries Technology at Bangladesh Agricultural University, conducted various sessions as a resource person. He elaborated on the concepts of Outcome-Based Education (OBE), the determination of desired learning outcomes for programs and courses, curriculum design, teaching methodologies, assessment systems, and the various aspects of implementing OBE-based educational activities.

Faculty members from various departments of KhAU, along with professors and researchers from different universities across the country, participated in the training. Notable participants included Professor Dr. Md. Abdul Alim, Professor Dr. Mohammad Musharraf Uddin Bhuiyan, Professor Dr. Mohammad Alam Miah, Professor Dr. Mohammad Ashiqul Islam, Professor Dr. Md. Ruhul Amin, Professor Dr. Md. Shahidur Rahman, Professor Dr. Ahmed Khairul Hasan, Professor Dr. Mohammad Nasir Uddin, Professor Dr. Md. Harun-ar-Rashid, Professor Md. Sharif-ar-Rafi, Professor Dr. Mohammad Shafi Ullah, Professor Dr. Mohammad Mahfuzul Haque, Professor Dr. Md. Shahed Reza, Professor Dr. Harunur Rashid, and Professor Dr. Md. Aminur Rahman.

Speakers at the training emphasized that formulating and implementing an OBE-based curriculum in line with international standards would ensure the holistic development of students' knowledge, skills, and values. At the same time, the path will be further paved for enhancing the quality of higher education, improving students' employability, and developing human resources suited to both domestic and international job markets.