Dhaka: The National Skills Development Authority (NSDA) has completed task analysis and occupational mapping of ‘Chinese Language’ for the first time in Bangladesh, aiming to make skills development programmes more responsive to domestic and international labour market demands.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the initiative has been taken against the backdrop of growing trade, economic and diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China, as well as rising demand for skilled personnel with Chinese language proficiency in various sectors. The NSDA said the initiative seeks to establish Chinese language not merely as a linguistic skill but as a distinct occupation linked to employment and professional competencies.
A recent workshop discussed the potential job roles and responsibilities under the occupation, along with the required knowledge, skills, competencies, and labour market demands. As part of the process of developing competency standards, a four-day development workshop will be held from Aug 16 to 19, followed by a validation workshop on Aug 25. This process will pave the way for finalising the training curriculum and subsequently create opportunities for NSDA-registered training institutions to introduce Chinese language courses.
NSDA Executive Chairman and Secretary of the Government of Bangladesh Dr Naznin Kawsar Chowdhury chaired the closing session of the workshop. Members, directors and relevant consultants of the NSDA were present. Dr Chowdhury emphasized the need to develop skilled human resources in new and promising occupations in line with the changing demands of the labour market. She noted that proficiency in Chinese could create new employment opportunities for young people in both domestic and international labour markets.
Dr Chowdhury further explained that task analysis and occupational mapping help identify the specific skills, knowledge, and competencies required to perform jobs within an occupation. This would make training and skills assessment systems more standardised, labour market-oriented, and aligned with industry requirements. She highlighted the demand for skilled Chinese language professionals not only in international labour markets but also within Bangladesh, stressing the importance of creating opportunities for proper recognition and certification of skills in the occupation.
The workshop also discussed the possibility of signing memorandums of understanding with several Chinese universities for joint certification. Additionally, the NSDA has initiated the development of a competency framework for the Chinese Language occupation in line with Levels 2 and 3 of the Bangladesh National Qualifications Framework (BNQF), which will be equivalent to Chinese Language Test-HSK Levels 1 and 2. Representatives and experts from various universities and institutions involved in Chinese language, education, research, and training participated in the workshop.