RUET Architecture Department gets IAB accreditation after 13 years

The Department of Architecture at Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET) has received accreditation from the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) for the first time, 13 years after its establishment. Based on the recommendation of the IAB Board of Architectural Education, the institute's 26th Executive Council granted unconditional recognition to RUET's architectural education programme for five years. The accreditation has been effective since July 1.

The recognition was conveyed in a letter sent to RUET's Registrar (acting) on July 15, stating that the architectural education programme at RUET had met the required standards and conditions set by the IAB Board of Architectural Education. The Executive Council later approved the accreditation based on the board's unanimous recommendation.

The Department of Architecture at RUET began its journey in 2013. Those concerned view this recognition, achieved after a long period since its establishment, as a significant milestone in the department's academic and professional progress. According to them, the accreditation will create a more effective connection between students' institutional education and professional recognition.

IAB is the professional organisation of architects in the country. Membership of the organisation is important for professional architectural practice and for working as an architect in building design or architectural planning in Bangladesh. As a result, students graduating from IAB-accredited programmes at RUET will also have a clearer path to obtaining membership of the organisation in the future.

The recognition is also expected to expand students' professional scope. Along with participating in various IAB professional activities, competitions and related initiatives, opportunities will also be created to connect with international architectural organisations. Those concerned believe this will have a positive impact on participation in various international platforms, including ARCASIA, the regional organisation of Asian architects.

Among public universities in the country, architectural education programmes at BUET, Khulna University, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology and Chattogram University of Engineering and Technology had previously received IAB accreditation. RUET has now joined that list. Those concerned expect this new recognition will further strengthen the department's academic standards, students' professional skills and employment opportunities at home and abroad, as well as the national and international standing of RUET's architectural education programme.