Allegations of long-standing discrimination against BSc engineering graduates resurfaced at a heated discussion held at the central auditorium of the Institute of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB). Participants, including students and young graduates from BUET, KUET, RUET, and CUET, voiced frustration over what they termed a “systematic sidelining” of BSc engineers in recruitment and promotion, while diploma holders continue to dominate key positions in government departments, a press release said.
Speakers at the event said that unlike most public service jobs, where a graduate degree is mandatory for entry into the 10th grade, engineering remains the exception. A 100 percent quota for diploma holders at the Sub-Assistant Engineer level (10th grade) has effectively barred BSc graduates from applying.
The situation is not much better at the Assistant Engineer (9th grade) level. According to participants, the promotion quota for diploma holders, originally 33 percent, has been expanded up to 67 percent, leaving graduates with far fewer opportunities. In many cases, “acting” or “current charge” appointments are made permanent, effectively bypassing direct recruitment of university graduates.
Citing official figures, speakers highlighted how diploma holders have gained disproportionate control:
In the Roads and Highways Department, out of 245 sanctioned posts for Assistant Engineer, 160 are held by diploma holders, while only 63 are BSc engineers.
In the Public Works Department, diploma holders occupy around 42 percent of positions through promotions, exceeding the official 33 percent limit.
“These figures show how the system is stacked against graduates, no matter how qualified they are,” one participant said.
Students from BUET, KUET, RUET, and CUET who joined the programme reiterated their long-standing demands:
BSc degree must be the only qualification for entry into Assistant Engineer (9th grade) posts.
The 100 percent quota for diploma holders in Sub-Assistant Engineer (10th grade) posts should be
abolished. The professional title Engineer should be legally reserved exclusively for BSc graduates.
The issue has also sparked comparisons with other professions. “Doctors must have an MBBS, lawyers must have an LLB, accountants must earn their certification. Why should engineering be the only field where diploma holders enjoy equal or even greater privilege?” asked one student leader during the event.
Another speaker, representing the Engineers’ Rights Movement, warned: “If this continues, Bangladesh’s technological development will be at stake. The very meaning of the word ‘Engineer’ will be eroded.
The discussion at IEB once again underscored a growing divide within the engineering profession. While diploma holders have successfully consolidated their position, graduate engineers say they are losing both recognition and opportunity. Observers noted that unless policymakers address the issue, the country risks alienating its brightest minds and undermining the future of its technical workforce.
