Academics, policymakers and industry professionals have called for stronger links between English education and workplace needs at the second International Conference on English for Specific Purposes, held at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB).

The university’s Centre for Language Studies organised the conference with TESOL-BD at the ULAB campus yesterday (9 October), bringing together educators and language experts to discuss how job-specific English education can prepare graduates for changing professional demands, according to the press release.

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj inaugurated the conference at 9 am. He emphasised the need to strengthen English education to meet job market needs and ensure graduates develop practical communication skills for professional and global settings.

Professor Shamsad Mortuza, vice-chancellor of ULAB, also addressed the inaugural session. He highlighted the need to link language education to employability, professional development and the changing demands of higher education and industry.

Professor Masuma Habib, member of the University Grants Commission, and Dr Sayeedur Rahman, adviser to TESOL-BD, were invited as special guests.

They stressed the importance of practical English skills in higher education and professional life, calling for closer collaboration among universities, employers, policymakers and language educators to better prepare graduates for the workplace.

Anisul Hoque, managing editor of Prothom Alo, discussed how English for Specific Purposes (ESP) can align academic English education with professional communication needs.

Dr Blair Matthews, joint coordinator of IATEFL ESPSIG, delivered a video address highlighting ESP’s relevance in helping learners communicate effectively in their respective professional fields.

Dr Faheem Hasan Shahed, director of ULAB’s Centre for Language Studies, delivered the vote of thanks.

Nigel Killick, founder and CEO of reallyenglish.com, delivered the keynote address after being invited to speak. He highlighted the growing importance of specialised English education in preparing learners for specific professions and workplace communication.

He stressed the need to move beyond general English instruction towards practical, discipline-specific language skills.

The conference theme was “From Margin to Mainstream: Restructuring Institutional ESP for Sustainable National Development”.

Discussions highlighted the growing gap between general English education and the specialised communication skills workplaces require today.

Speakers said English had become an essential professional skill for effective communication, global collaboration and career development. They examined ways to better prepare graduates for real-world professional settings.

The discussions focused on strengthening university-industry collaboration, promoting job-ready English skills and developing policy recommendations for undergraduate education.

Participants said ESP could no longer remain an afterthought. They called for stronger cooperation among educators, industries, universities and policymakers to prepare Bangladesh’s workforce for the global stage.

Prothom Alo was the event’s media partner, while United Commercial Bank and Pubali Bank were the sponsors.