The Forum of Diploma Engineers Bangladesh (FDEB) expresses its deep concern and strong protest against any initiative to change the existing recruitment structure and open the 10th Grade Sub-Assistant Engineer (SAE) posts to candidates from all engineering disciplines and educational backgrounds, a press release said.
Recently, a Vice President of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) stated in a social media post that, following discussions with members of a board, an opportunity had been created to appoint B.Sc. engineers to 10th Grade positions and that the post had been opened to all. FDEB considers such an initiative a matter of serious concern, as it may have significant implications for the existing technical manpower structure, recruitment rules and professional responsibilities established by the government.
For decades, Diploma Engineers have been serving as Sub-Assistant Engineers in various technical sectors, including infrastructure development, power, water supply, roads, railways, local government, public works and public health engineering, in accordance with government-approved manpower structures and recruitment rules.
The appointment of Diploma Engineers to these positions is not a concession or privilege. It is part of an institutional technical manpower structure developed on the basis of the country’s requirements, educational qualifications, technical training, job responsibilities and established government regulations.
FDEB has observed with concern that, over the years, attempts have been made in various organizations to alter recruitment rules, reduce designated posts, restrict career progression and limit the professional responsibilities of Diploma Engineers. Recruitment of Diploma Engineers to a significant number of posts in organizations such as PDB, DPDC and NESCO has reportedly been reduced or discontinued. There have also been concerns regarding discriminatory promotion and seniority policies in different organizations.
FDEB firmly believes that expanding the scope of one professional category should not result in the erosion of the established posts, responsibilities and professional rights of another recognized technical profession.
Both graduate engineers and diploma engineers are essential contributors to national development. However, recruitment and career structures should be determined in accordance with educational qualifications, technical training, job responsibilities, manpower planning and approved recruitment regulations.
Opening the 10th Grade Sub-Assistant Engineer posts to B.Sc. engineers without properly considering the existing technical manpower structure could adversely affect the employment opportunities, promotion prospects and professional rights of a large number of Diploma Engineers. It may also create uncertainty regarding the future employment opportunities of students currently pursuing diploma-level technical education.
FDEB Demands FDEB calls upon the concerned government authorities and organizations to:
Immediately suspend any proposal or initiative to open the 10th Grade Sub-Assistant Engineer posts indiscriminately to all categories of engineers.
Strictly follow the existing government recruitment rules and approved technical manpower structures.
Protect the posts, responsibilities and designated career pathways established for Diploma Engineers.
Resume recruitment of Diploma Engineers to posts where recruitment has been suspended or discontinued, in accordance with applicable rules.
Review any discriminatory promotion and seniority policies that adversely affect the legitimate professional rights of Diploma Engineers.
Ensure meaningful consultation with all relevant stakeholders before making any changes to the established technical manpower and recruitment structure.
FDEB believes that the development of Bangladesh requires a balanced, coordinated and well-defined technical manpower structure in which both graduate and diploma-level engineers can contribute according to their respective qualifications, training and assigned responsibilities.
FDEB therefore urges the government and all concerned authorities to refrain from any unilateral decision that may narrow the legitimate employment and professional opportunities of Diploma Engineers.
If any organization or authority proceeds with an initiative to open the 10th Grade Sub-Assistant Engineer posts in a manner that undermines the established rights and career opportunities of Diploma Engineers, FDEB will be compelled to undertake democratic and organizational programs in defense of their legitimate professional rights.
FDEB calls upon the country’s Diploma Engineers and Polytechnic students to remain united and peaceful in protecting their legitimate rights, professional dignity and future employment opportunities.
FDEB firmly believes that a united, lawful and democratic movement can protect the legitimate rights and professional dignity of Diploma Engineers.
