Component Overview
IQAC Strengthening builds on the Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), first introduced in 2015 under HEQEP, to establish and empower functional IQACs across all 153 universities in Bangladesh — embedding a sustainable, self-sustaining culture of quality assurance aligned with the Bangladesh National Qualifications Framework (BNQF) and Bangladesh Accreditation Council (BAC) standards.
Establishing & Scaling IQACs Nationwide
69 universities first established IQACs under the Higher Education Quality Enhancement Project (HEQEP). HEAT extends and strengthens IQACs across all 153 universities in Bangladesh, each led by a Director and Additional Director(s), backed by the Institutional Quality Assurance Cell Fund (IQACF).
Capacity Building & BNQF Implementation
Structured training for IQAC Directors, Additional Directors, QAC/FQAC members and faculty on the Bangladesh National Qualifications Framework (BNQF), outcome-based curriculum design, and internal audit, building lasting institutional capacity.
Self-Assessment & BAC Accreditation Support
IQACs coordinate Self-Assessment Reports, external peer review, and post-assessment improvement plans to prepare universities and academic programs for accreditation by the Bangladesh Accreditation Council (BAC).
Core Functions of the IQAC
As defined in the IQAC Operations Manual (IQACOM), 2nd Edition
BNQF Implementation
Guides program offering entities to design and review outcome-based curricula in line with the Bangladesh National Qualifications Framework.
Self-Assessment & Accreditation
Coordinates Self-Assessment Reports, external quality assessment, and post-assessment improvement plans for BAC accreditation.
Standards & Policy Review
Develops institutional QA standards and benchmarks, reviewing at least five policies or procedures every year for continuous improvement.
Training & Capacity Building
Organizes need-based training and workshops for faculty, QAC/FQAC members, and IQAC staff to build a lasting quality culture.
Institutional Reporting
Prepares the Annual Institutional Quality Assurance Report (IQAR) and monitoring reports for the QAC, UGC, and BAC.
Strategic QA Planning
Develops a five-year internal quality assurance strategic plan and monitors its implementation and achievements.
Expected Outcomes
Benefits of a strengthened IQAC across universities, academic staff, students, and wider stakeholders (IQACOM, Table 1)
Universities
- Well-functioning internal quality assurance system
- Improved institutional capacity and educational process
- Greater transparency and accountability in academic management
- Readiness for BAC accreditation of academic programs
Academic Staff
- Enhanced professional skills for effective teaching-learning
- Better understanding of student and employer needs
- Stronger capacity to design outcome-based curricula
- More opportunities for collaborative research
Students
- Improved teaching-learning facilities
- Better attainment of intended learning outcomes
- Enhanced competitiveness and employability
- Greater acceptance for higher studies and exchange programs
Other Stakeholders
- Higher quality graduates for employers
- Greater contribution to socio-economic development
- Improved national and institutional image
- Increased public confidence in higher education