In a circular on Wednesday Bangladesh Bank said that obtaining banking diploma is a must to get promoted to a senior officer post in banks. “One has to pass both phases of the banking diploma. This rule will be applicable to promote the officers’ level of all scheduled banks operating in the country,” the circular stated. The banking regulation and policy department of BB issued the circular on Wednesday and sent it to the top executives of banks. This directive will be effective from January 1, 2024. At the same time, the central bank canceled the instructions given on October 13, 2022, in this regard. The notification said the new requirement won’t be applicable for those not directly involved in banking activities. The exceptions are for doctors, engineers (civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering.   According to the central bank, the syllabus of the Diploma in Banking includes all the theoretical and practical knowledge of banking subjects. In the first phase, basic and fundamental subjects related to banking are taught, and in the second phase, advanced banking knowledge and skills are tested. The Institute of Bankers, Bangladesh (IBB) offers this two-phase Banking Diploma degree. The BB circular stated that the importance of the banking sector in the country's overall development is immense. Such a directive has been issued considering the need to create skilled human resources with basic banking knowledge in this sector and increase the capacity of officials in decision-making.    

Monash College Diploma (MCD) orientation, a programme organised by the Universal College Bangladesh (UCB), was held in the capital recently. Dr Sandeep Ananthanarayanan, chief executive officer of STS Group [Monash College programmes (UCB)], Professor Sarwar Ahmed, dean of academic affairs, Shafik Waes, manager of academic administration, Mostafizur Rahman Mridha, head of IT; lecturers Habiba Kibria and Samia Afroz were present. The guests welcomed the students and delivered speeches explaining different issues, such as academic integrity and misconduct, MCD policies, and essential academic tools necessary for the programme.  MCD is equivalent to the first year of Monash University. Students who will be completing this programme at the UCB can jumpstart their study in the second year of Monash University upon fulfilling the entry requirement of the university with all the credits transferred. READ: UCB workshop on effective note-taking ends on high note Students completing this diploma will also have the scope to transfer their credit to other desired universities.  Along with these, the UCB is also offering a foundation year. Monash University Foundation Year Orientation was held recently for its first batch. Students of the first batch already started attending classes on September 7.   Sandeep Ananthanarayanan said, "I welcome all the students who have enrolled for the MCD programme. One thing I can assure you is that this is the beginning of a new and exhilarating journey of life, which will take all of you to the path of future success."  READ: Khagrachari: UCB gives Tk2.1 crore agricultural loan to 71 farmers  Sarwar Uddin said, "The students at the UCB will not only get the opportunity to learn from highly-qualified teachers, but it will also open up many doors for the learners in the foreign universities including Monash College Australia."