Event Highlights: KIX Bangladesh National Uptake Forum

The KIX EMAP Hub organised the KIX Bangladesh National Uptake Forum on 10 and 11 June 2024, in cooperation with the University of Dhaka and the respective Institute of Education and Research, a KIX research grantee. The National Uptake Forum was attended by 72 online and 195 in-person attendees over both days, with representatives from the Ministry of Education and other governmental agencies, academia and civil society.

The KIX Bangladesh National Uptake Forum aimed to share KIX’s work with key stakeholders, develop stronger relationships between educational institutions, and further the connection between GPE KIX and the Bangladesh Ministry of Education.

Note: Event recordings will be added to this news item in the coming days.

Day 1: Welcome Session

The National Uptake Forum’s first day started with a welcome speech from Md. Abdul Halim (Director, Institute of Education and Research, University of Dhaka). The speech was followed by a welcome session chaired by A.S.M. Maksud Kamal (Honourable Vice Chancellor, University of Dhaka). The three welcome speeches were delivered by Koffi Segniagbeto (Country Team Lead, Global Partnership for Education), Margarita Lopez (Senior Program Specialist, International Development Research Centre) and José Luís Canêlhas (Director, KIX EMAP Hub).

The forum was honoured with a visit and speech from His Excellency, Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury (Honourable Minister, Ministry of Education, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh).

Day 1: Keynote Speeches

The welcome session was followed by keynote speeches on “Uptake of research in policy and practice – challenges and experiences” from Syed Manzoorul Islam (Professor Emeritus, Department of English, University of Dhaka), Rasheda K. Chowdhury (Executive Director, Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE) and Gita Steiner-Khamsi (KIX EMAP Lead Researcher).

Day 1: Thematic Panel Session: Equity and Inclusion

After the keynotes, the day continued with a thematic panel session on “Equity and Inclusion”. This session was chaired by Tariq Ahsan (Professor, IER, DU (on leave) & Lead Consultant, National Curriculum and Textbook Board). Shafiul Azam (Director Planning, Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education) served as the discussant. This panel featured six presentations:

KIX research project: “The impact of gender and inclusive pedagogies on student’s participation and learning achievement at secondary school during the pandemic and beyond” by Mohammed Ali Zinnah (Professor at Institute of Education and Research, Dhaka University).
KIX research project: “Using data for improving education equity and inclusion – MICS-EAGLE” by Deepa Sankar (Chief of Education, UNICEF Bangladesh).
KIX EMAP case study in progress on “Equitable Access to Education with Geospatial Data” by Rokeya Akhter (Executive Director, South Asian Institute for Social Transformation (SAIST)).
“A Multilevel Approach for Promoting Inclusive Education in Bangladesh” by Syeed Ahamed (CEO of Institute of Informatics and Development).
“Education for Out of School Children in Bangladesh: How to Mitigate Challenges” by Abdur Raof (Program Manager, Campaign for Popular Education).
“Access, Quality, and Continuity of Education for Older Adolescent Boys and Girls in Refugee and Host Communities in Cox’s Bazar” by Proma Saha (Research Specialist) and Ahsan Mahmud (Education Coordinator, International Rescue Committee).

Day 2: GPE KIX and KIX EMAP Overview Presentations

The second day of the National Uptake Forum started with presentations on the “GPE KIX programme – research and knowledge exchange mechanisms” conducted by Margarita Lopez, who focused on the KIX programme and KIX research projects. The second presentation, delivered by José Luís Canêlhas, Rasha Sharaf (KIX EMAP SAMENA Knowledge Lead) and Sumera Ahsan (KIX EMAP Interim National Coordinator of Bangladesh and Associate Professor, Institute of Education and Research, Dhaka University), gave an overview of KIX EMAP Hub objectives and the Hub work in the SAMENA sub-region, with a specific focus on the work that has been conducted in Bangladesh.

Day 2: GPE KIX and KIX EMAP Overview Presentations

Day 2: Thematic Panel Session: Teaching and Learning

The second thematic panel at the KIX Bangladesh National Uptake Forum focused on “Teaching and Learning”. This panel was chaired by Siddiqur Rahman (Former Professor, Department of Curriculum and Instructional Technology, Institute of Education and Research, Dhaka University). Motiar Rahman (Global Partnership for Education Focal Point, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Primary and Mass Education) served as the discussant. This panel featured four presentations:

KIX EMAP case study: “Teacher Professional Development at Scale” by Ridwana Nahrin (Research Assistant, Nutrition Research Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Research Fellow, South Asian Institute for Social Transformation).
KIX research project: “Common-scale assessment of early and foundational maths learning across the Global South – PAL Network” by Kazi Ferdous Pavel (Head of Education Unit at Institute of Informatics and Developments).
KIX research project: “Using Technology to Improve Literacy in the Global South” by Musle Bhuiya (Head of the Teachers Professional Development Centre and Outreach under Aga Khan Development Network, Dhaka).
KIX research project: “Effectiveness and Scalability of Programs for Children Who Are Out of School and at Risk of Dropping Out in Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal- South Asian Institute for Social Transformation in Bangladesh” by Juwel Rana (Founder and Director, Research and Innovation South Asian Institute for Social Transformation).

Day 2: New KIX Research Projects in Bangladesh

The thematic panel was followed by an introduction to new KIX research projects starting in Bangladesh:

“Connecting Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey and Education Management Information System datasets to advance gender equality, equity, and inclusion” by Deepa Sankar.
“Promoting gender equality and social inclusion in schools building on what children value and aspire to Do and Be” by Mujibul Haque Munir (Head of Social Development).

There was also a first presentation on an upcoming KIX research projects on Early Learning by Jena Hamadani (Emeritus Scientist, MCHD Administration, Maternal and Child Health Division).

Day 2: Closing Session

In this session, chaired by M Wahiduzzaman (Professor, Institute of Education and Research, Former Vice Chancellor NSTU; Team Lead, GPE KIX IER Project), Sumera Ahsan (KIX EMAP Interim National Coordinator of Bangladesh and Associate Professor, Institute of Education and Research, Dhaka University) conveyed some concluding remarks with reflection on the upcoming steps of KIX work in Bangladesh. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by José Luís Canêlhas to the Ministry of Education, Institute of Education and Research, Dhaka University and all members of the KIX national team who supported this event.

The KIX EMAP Hub will publish a forum synthesis report with all key takeaways and resources for institutions and partners in Bangladesh. Event recordings will be added to this news item in the coming days. Visit the Bangladesh country page for updates on in-country work.

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