Engineers’ Rift to Be Resolved Through Rational Dialogue: Senior Secretary Ehsanul Haque

Senior Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration Md. Ehsanul Haque has said that the ongoing professional conflict between BSc engineering graduates and diploma engineers will be resolved through “rational and constructive dialogue.”

He made the remarks while addressing the inaugural session of the 44th National Council of the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh (IDEB) as the chief guest, held on Saturday, October 25, at Kakrail in Dhaka.

Referring to the recent demand to open the 10th-grade Sub-Assistant Engineer positions for BSc engineering graduates, the Senior Secretary said, “This demand is an injustice to merit, and it has deeply pained me. The professional discord between degree and diploma engineers will be resolved through logical discussion.”

Speaking about issues in the diploma engineering education system, he said that the National Pay Commission is currently working on the matter. “The Ministry of Public Administration will inform the Pay Commission about these concerns,” he added.

Addressing the upcoming national election, Ehchanul Haque stated, “The national election is approaching; many of you will perform election duties at the field level. If given the right environment and opportunity, we can work with complete neutrality. I believe we will deliver a fair and credible election to the nation, and I hope you will stand by me in this mission.”

Emphasizing the need to balance professional benefits with national interest, he said, “Diploma engineers must play a responsible role in eliminating the stigma of substandard engineering practices. If all 800,000 of you perform your duties with integrity, this country will move forward.”

Highlighting the importance of research and innovation, the Senior Secretary further said, “There is no alternative to research and innovation in fulfilling the national commitment to build a prosperous and equitable Bangladesh. To meet the challenges of science and technology, talented individuals must engage in research. It is unfortunate for the nation when capable people switch professions or seek lower positions—this is a waste of national talent. The government is working to establish a national research platform for such gifted individuals.”

The session was chaired by IDEB Interim Central Committee Convener Engineer Md. Kabir Hossain. Among others, Member Secretary Kazi Sakhawat Hossain and members Engineer Golam Kibria Rubel, Shahabuddin Sabu, and Moniruzzaman also spoke.

Throughout the daylong council, participants discussed institutional and organizational matters within the national context and adopted several key resolutions. Leaders from 72 organizational district branches took part in the event.