Terming the three-point demands of BSc engineers as “unreasonable and unrealistic,” diploma engineers have warned that they will resist the government’s move to implement the demands.
Bangladesh Diploma Engineering Chhatra-Shikkhak-Peshajibi Sangram Parishad sounded the warning at a view-exchange meeting at the Institute of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh (IDEB) in Kakrail of Dhaka on Saturday.
BSc engineers have been advocating for three key demands, including recruitment for the position of assistant engineer (Grade-9) exclusively through exams with a minimum qualification of a BSc in engineering; allowing higher-degree holders to apply for Grade-10 positions; and granting BSc engineers the sole right to use the title “engineer.”
On the other hand, diploma engineers are pushing for seven major demands, including clearly defined responsibilities for both BSc and diploma engineers in workplaces.
They also demand that the post of sub-assistant engineer be reserved exclusively for candidates from polytechnic and monotechnic institutes.
Other demands include setting the 1:5 ratio of BSc to diploma engineers in government and autonomous engineering organisations, increasing promotion quotas from 33 per cent to 50 per cent for diploma engineers, and halting the recruitment of engineers in other administrative cadres.
In response to the conflicting demands, the government has recently formed a 14-member working group, led by Nazrul Islam, secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Public Works. This group is tasked with consulting with the parties concerned and submitting a final report.
Speaking on the occasion, Imam Hossain, general secretary of the BDESPC, said, “We have no concerns over three demands of BSc engineers, as they are unreasonable and unrealistic. We’ll continue our peaceful movement to meet our seven-point demands.”
Kabir Hossain, president of IDEB, remarked that the BSc engineers’ three-point demands aim to undermine the rights of diploma engineers.
Akheruzzaman, chairman of BDESPC, also warned that BSc engineers entering Grade-10 positions would severely limit employment opportunities for diploma engineers, leading to the closure of nearly 500 polytechnic institutions across the country.
