Dhaka, 23 July 2025
A high-level delegation from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) of the Australian High Commission in Bangladesh visited UCEP Bangladesh’s Head Office and Dhaka North Region (DNR) to see the progress and impact of the Quality Education and Skills for Transformation (QUEST) project and explore future collaboration in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector.
The delegation was led by Mr. Clinton Pobke, Deputy High Commissioner, and included Mr. Reuben Gray, Counsellor of the Department of Home Affairs, and Mr. Shahriar Islam and Mr. Sabeth Ahmed, Senior Program Managers at the Australian High Commission. The UCEP Bangladesh leadership team, headed by Executive Director Dr. Md. Abdul Karim, warmly received the delegation. Senior officials including Md. Engr. Mohd. Abdul Mannan (Director, Programme and Innovation), Ms. Nazmun Nahar (Director, Finance & Compliance), Mr. Subinoy Dutta (Deputy Director, Resource Mobilization & Communications), and Engr. Joy Prakash Barua (Deputy Director, Programme & Innovation) shared key updates and achievements from UCEP’s TVET initiatives.
The visit focused on the achievements of the QUEST project, which has been implemented since 2019 across 8 UCEP regions, engaging 10 TVET institutes and 35 technical schools. The delegation toured multiple training centers, observing hands-on sessions in trades such as Caregiving, Electrical Installation & Maintenance, Cooking & Baking, Plumbing, and Beautification. The guests interacted with students and instructors and appreciated the organization’s inclusive, market-oriented approach to skills development.
In his remarks, Deputy High Commissioner Mr. Clinton Pobke emphasized DFAT’s interest in continued collaboration with UCEP Bangladesh beyond the current QUEST Phase-II, recognizing the organization’s role in addressing youth employment through innovative and inclusive education models. Mr. Reuben Gray, Counsellor of the Department of Home Affairs, highlighted the need for comprehensive reforms in the TVET sector in Bangladesh, stressing competency-based training, gender-responsive curricula, alignment with emerging technologies like AI, and stronger industry linkages to boost employability.
The discussions between UCEP and DFAT representatives explored strategic areas of future partnership in line with Australia’s development priorities in economic inclusion and social empowerment. Both parties expressed a strong commitment to ongoing dialogue and partnership to scale up quality skills training and employment pathways for underprivileged youth in Bangladesh, particularly women and marginalized groups.
