Daffodil International University to host High-Level Bangladesh–Malaysia Accreditation Dialogue with

MQA Chief and BAC Leadership

Dhaka, 14 September 2026: Daffodil International University (DIU) hosted a significant international engagement on higher education quality assurance and accreditation as Dato’ Professor Dr. Mohammad Shatar bin Sabran, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), Malaysia, visits Bangladesh today on 14 September 2026. The visit brought together senior leaders from the Malaysian Qualifications Agency, Bangladesh Accreditation Council (BAC), and Daffodil International University, creating an important platform for sharing experiences and strengthening dialogue on international standards, accreditation practices and institutional quality assurance.

Dato’ Professor Dr. Mohammad Shatar bin Sabran, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), Malaysia delivered the keynote presentation in the program while Professor Dr. Md. Akhtar Hossain Khan, Chairman of the Bangladesh Accreditation Council (BAC) was present as the chief guest. Presided over Dr. Md. Sabur Khan, Chairman, Association of Private Universities of Bangladesh and Founder and Chairman of Board of Trustees, Daffodil International University, the program was also addressed among others by special guest Professor Dr. Md. Wakilur Rahman, Member, Bangladesh Accreditation Council. Professor Dr. Mr. Kabir, Vice Chancellor, Professor Dr. Mohammad Masum Iqbal, Pro Vice Chancellor, Mr. Abdul Saman Bin Tai, Director, Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and Prof. Dr. Mostafa Kamal, Director, IQAC OF Daffodil International University.

Dato’ Professor Dr. Mohammad Shatar bin Sabran delivered a presentation on “Quality Assurance and the Future of Higher Education in the Global Era”. He highlighted the evolving role of quality assurance in strengthening higher education systems globally. He explained the functions of MQA, including maintaining the Malaysian Qualifications Register, developing qualification frameworks, conducting accreditation, assuring quality of higher education providers and programmes, and facilitating recognition of qualifications. He emphasised that quality should remain the highest priority for higher education institutions in the global era.

He also discussed the evolution of the Malaysian Qualifications Framework, the importance of accreditation cycles, outcome-based education, continuous quality improvement, global rankings, international visibility and emerging initiatives such as micro-credentials and flexible learning pathways. He noted that higher education is entering a borderless and interconnected era where collaboration, trust and quality assurance are essential for institutional development.

Professor Dr. Md. Akhter Hossain Khan highlighted that BAC has already started accreditation activities for higher education institutions in Bangladesh and several academic programmes have received accreditation. He stated that contemporary challenges such as artificial intelligence, automation and climate change have increased the importance of quality assurance and accreditation.

He emphasised that universities need to reflect on whether they are developing a strong quality culture and ensuring continuous improvement. He clarified that BAC aims to facilitate universities in their accreditation journey rather than create pressure. He also highlighted the importance of international collaboration, quality assurance capacity building, and academic mobility.

He suggested that BAC and MQA can work together in developing quality culture and enhancing institutional capacity. He also stressed that quality assurance is not the responsibility of IQAC alone; Deans, Heads of Departments, faculty members and other stakeholders must actively contribute to institutional quality enhancement.

Dr. Md. Sabur Khan, Chairman, Association Private Universities of Bangladesh  highlighted the importance of emerging educational trends, particularly micro-credential courses, in responding to changing industry and professional requirements. He discussed DIU’s initiatives to strengthen industry engagement through the introduction of Professor of Practice positions and emphasised the university’s plan to establish an industry zone to enhance students’ practical learning opportunities and employability.

Through this high-level engagement, Daffodil International University aims to strengthen its international collaboration and institutional quality culture while creating a platform for Bangladesh–Malaysia knowledge exchange on higher education accreditation and quality assurance. The dialogue is expected to contribute to greater understanding of global accreditation practices and support the continuing advancement of quality assurance in Bangladesh’s higher education sector.

Caption: Professor Dr. M. R. Kabir, Vice-Chancellor of Daffodil International University, presenting a floral wreath to Professor Dr. Md. Akhtar Hossain Khan, Chairman of the Bangladesh Accreditation Council (BAC) was present as the chief guestat the program titled “Quality Assurance and the Future of Higher Education in the Global Era.”