DHAKA, Aug 18, 2026 (BSS) - The National Skills Development Authority (NSDA) is developing the country's first Competency Standard (CS) and curriculum on Arabic language to create skilled Arabic-speaking manpower for the international labour market.

The curriculum will open employment opportunities in around 50 countries where Arabic is used, including 22 countries where it is the principal language and 28 where it is used as a second language, a press release said today.

A day-long validation workshop on the proposed CS and Course Accreditation Document (CAD) was held today at the NSDA conference room in Agargaon, Dhaka. 

Arabic language experts, academics, trainers, government and private institutions, industry representatives and NSDA officials participated. NSDA Executive Chairman (Secretary) Dr. Nazneen Kawshar Chowdhury chaired the workshop. 

Participants discussed required knowledge, skills, training content, learning outcomes and assessment methods and provided recommendations on the proposed curriculum.

Dr Nazneen said skills training must be standardised, recognised and employment-oriented in line with international labour market demands. She said language proficiency is important not only for communication but also for education, employment, migration and international careers.

Based on stakeholder recommendations, the Arabic CS and CAD will be finalised. Training will then be offered through NSDA-registered institutions, creating a structured system for training, assessment and recognition.

NSDA has already developed competency standards and curricula for English and Japanese. Work is underway for Chinese, Korean and Italian as well.