English proficiency crucial across industries, experts say
Industry leaders said English skills now support digital competency, adaptability, negotiation, leadership and teamwork in the job market.
English is no longer a luxury but a core survival skill across industries including education, IT, RMG, multinational corporations, agriculture and hospitality, experts said at a recent roundtable in Dhaka hosted by Cambridge Press and Assessment Bangladesh Ltd.
The event brought together industry leaders, students and Cambridge representatives to discuss the growing necessity of English proficiency in the workplace, alongside the introduction of the Linguaskill Test, a Cambridge tool for assessing English skills in real business scenarios.
Managing Director at Cambridge University Press & Assessment Arun Rajamani said, "Internationally, we're witnessing a shift where industries are prioritising practical, real-world English proficiency assessment. Cambridge has developed a modern, market-aligned solution that helps organisations evaluate English skills in a way that truly reflects the demands of today's global environment."
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The roundtable, moderated by Sohana Hossain and Md Bodruddoza, explored how communication skills are shaping recruitment, workforce development and competitiveness across sectors.
On education, professor of Dhaka University Dr Tazin Aziz Chowdhury said, "Students in public primary schools often lack early exposure to English, unlike their peers in private or English-medium schools. This creates challenges later when public speaking or higher education demands English proficiency."
Chairman of Compass Education Ltd Dulce Corazon Zita Lamagna added that universities are embedding real-world communication into student experiences.
"Whether through drama, competitions, or industry simulations, we ensure that English isn't just learned; it's practised," she said.
In hospitality, general manager of Marriott International Md Al-Amin said communication is often the first service the industry provides.
"When communication is smooth, confident, and professional, it creates trust, enhances guest satisfaction, and ultimately elevates the standard of hospitality we deliver," he added.
In technology, chief operating officer of Creative Group Zia Uddin Mahmud said English has become a survival tool in the AI era.
"We must be clear, confident, and precise, whether we're communicating with clients or prompting AI. English is not a subject; it's how we connect," he added.
On recruitment, country HR head of Syngenta Bangladesh Upala Shafique said employers now look well beyond academic qualifications.
"Organisations use multiple assessment stages to identify the right talent. English proficiency, digital competency, adaptability, negotiation ability, leadership potential, and teamwork are all evaluated throughout the hiring process. English remains one of the most important competencies because it supports almost every other professional skill," she added.
A common theme ran through the session: English proficiency is increasingly viewed as a practical workplace competency rather than an academic requirement.
Participants agreed that scalable assessment tools such as Linguaskill can help employers and educational institutions identify skill gaps and better align workforce capabilities with evolving industry needs.
