Islamic Arabic University to Work With Malaysia's IIUM on Madrasa Education Reform, LoI Signed
The Islamic Arabic University (IAU) will work with the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) on modernising the madrasa education curriculum in Bangladesh, teacher training, research and expanding technology-based education activities. A letter of intent (LoI) has been signed between the two universities for this purpose.
An IIUM delegation gave the assurance of cooperation on Wednesday (4 November) at an international seminar jointly organised by the Islamic Arabic University and the Bangladesh Madrasa Education Board at the International Mother Language Institute.
At the seminar, titled 'Transformation of Bangladesh Madrasa Education: Strategic Reform Framework in Light of Malaysia Experience', the keynote papers were presented by IIUM Deputy Rector (Research, Innovation and Development) Professor Dr Mohammad Aslam bin Mohammad Hanif and Principal Director of the Office of Strategic Institution Transformation Professor Dr Shukran Abd Rahman.
In his keynote, Professor Dr Mohammad Aslam bin Mohammad Hanif said that to bring the desired change in society and the state, development and reform of the education system must come first. Teaching methods, curriculum and course structures must be arranged according to the demands of the time, and the purpose of education is not merely to distribute information but to create skilled graduates who have a positive impact on society.
He said IIUM is ready to cooperate in curriculum development, course design, teacher training, modern teaching methods, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and information technology, and establishing institutional good governance in reforming Bangladesh's madrasa education.
Speaking as chief guest, Pabna University of Science and Technology Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Abul Hasanat Mohammad Shamim said the initiative to cooperate with renowned foreign universities on modernising Bangladesh's madrasa education is praiseworthy. However, rather than fully following another country's education system, a distinct, technology-based curriculum should be designed in harmony with Bangladesh's own culture, heritage and religious education.
He also said the use of modern technology including AI in madrasa education can increase students' knowledge practice and technological skills, and students must be made more qualified and skilled for higher education. If needed, Pabna University of Science and Technology could take an initiative to provide science training to teachers and students of madrasas affiliated with the Islamic Arabic University.
IAU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Muhammad Abu Zafar Khan chaired the seminar. He said the Islamic Arabic University is working on the basis of cooperation with international-standard universities to improve the quality of Bangladesh's madrasa education and reform it in keeping with the times, with importance given to curriculum development, teacher training, research and institutional good governance.
The vice-chancellor said that alongside increasing teachers' skills, students must be built in such a way that, along with proficiency in religious knowledge, they can acquire skills in modern science, technology and leadership and play a role in meeting social needs.
Bangladesh Madrasa Education Board Chairman Khondkar Mohammad Sadekur Rahman and IIUM Special Officer, Office of the Deputy Rector (Research, Innovation and Development) and Assistant Professor of the Quran and Sunnah Studies Department Dr Mohammad Mohiuddin spoke as special guests. IAU Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Dr Mohammad Shahidul Islam, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr Mohammad Elias Siddiqui, Treasurer Shahinul Islam and Registrar (additional charge) Professor Dr A K Muhammad Nurul Islam were present. Deputy Registrar Fahad Ahmad Momtazi conducted the seminar.
