A human chain program, organized by the Forum of Diploma Engineers Bangladesh (FDEB), took place today, Saturday, at 11:00 AM on the premises of the National Press Club. The event was held to advocate for several key demands: establishing the legitimate rights of diploma engineers; eliminating discrimination and instability within the engineering sector; ensuring admission quotas and opportunities for diploma-in-engineering students at the engineering colleges in Sylhet, Faridpur, Mymensingh, and Barishal, starting from the current academic year; and conducting prompt elections for the central committee of the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh (IDEB), a press release said.
Speakers at the event stated that opening the position of Sub-Assistant Engineer—classified under the 10th grade—to BSc engineers would severely harm the employment prospects, promotion opportunities, and professional advancement of a large number of diploma engineers. Furthermore, it would create uncertainty regarding the future employment of students currently pursuing technical education. Such a move could lead to increased instability within the engineering sector and potentially damage the government’s reputation. Citing government orders (GOs) issued in 1978 and 1994, the speakers emphasized that diploma engineers must not, under any circumstances, be deprived of their established rights—specifically, their entitlement to the 10th-grade Sub-Assistant Engineer position and a 33 percent quota for promotions.
They further noted that various organizations and institutions are undermining long-held rights by unilaterally and unjustifiably amending recruitment rules, thereby restricting the number of positions available to diploma engineers and limiting their promotion prospects. The recruitment process for thousands of positions for diploma engineers has been halted across several organizations, including the PDB, DPDC, and NESCO. Additionally, there are allegations that the seniority of diploma engineers is being violated through the implementation of discriminatory recruitment and promotion-seniority policies within these organizations. Furthermore, the recruitment for hundreds of Sub-Assistant Engineer positions has been stalled under the pretext of vexatious litigation.
The speakers further urged various organizations and relevant government authorities to immediately halt any proposals, initiatives, or maneuvers aimed at opening up 10th-grade Sub-Assistant Engineer positions to all candidates. They also demanded strict adherence to existing government regulations and organizational staffing structures to safeguard the positions, responsibilities, and professional rights reserved for diploma engineers.
During the human chain demonstration, the speakers called for ensuring admission quotas and opportunities for ‘Diploma-in-Engineering’ students at the engineering colleges in Sylhet, Faridpur, Mymensingh, and Barishal, starting from the current academic year. They emphasized that expanding higher education opportunities for diploma students and facilitating pathways for further education based on their qualifications is crucial for the advancement of technical education; therefore, the relevant authorities must take immediate and effective action.
The speakers also noted the necessity of holding prompt elections for the IDEB (Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh) central committee through a democratic process to invigorate and strengthen organizational activities. They underscored the importance of working in unity to protect the interests and rights of diploma engineers.
Those who spoke at the human chain included: Md. Abdus Sattar Shah, Central President of the Forum of Diploma Engineers Bangladesh (FDEB) and Joint Convener of IDEB; Vice-President Mirza Mizanur Rahman; General Secretary Zainul Abedin; Joint Secretary Mostafa Kamal; Central Publicity and Public Relations Secretary Yasin Ahmed; National Committee member Firoz Ahmed; Gazipur Metropolitan President and IDEB District Secretary Faruk Ahmed; President of the Islami Bank Diploma Engineers’ Association, Azizul Islam; President of the Bangladesh Technical Teachers and Employees Council, Motiur Rahman; and the FDEB Dhaka District President. Mokhlesur Rahman (President, FDEB, Narayanganj District), Misar Sarkar (President, IDEB, Narayanganj District), Engr. Absar Uddin (Convener, Diploma Engineers’ Welfare Foundation), Ishak Piku (Joint Convener), former student leader Engr. Sajjad Hossain, Md. Mahiyan Islam (President, Technical Student Movement Bangladesh – Dhaka Polytechnic unit), Tashrif Rahman (leader, Technical Student Movement), and Dhaka Polytechnic student representatives Yasin Arafat and Raisul Bari were present. Additionally, central leaders of the forum and representatives from various service associations delivered speeches during the human chain demonstration.
