FE REPORT
The Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) on Wednesday urged the government to ensure the appointment and promotion of engineers to top leadership roles within technical and engineering-based organisations.
They also called for the formation of a dedicated taskforce to ensure transparency and accountability in development projects, alongside urging the government to introduce a formal service framework for engineers employed in the private sector.
They came up with the call during a view-exchange meeting with senior journalists held at the Council Hall of the IEB Headquarters in the city's Ramna area. The event marks the organisation's 78th founding anniversary (Engineers' Day) on May 7.
The event brought together editors, chief reporters, news editors, and senior professionals from leading print and electronic media outlets.
IEB President Engineer Mohammad Reazul Islam chaired the session while Honorary Assistant General Secretary (Administration and Finance) Engineer Muhammad Ahsanul Rasel moderated the discussion.
In his welcome remarks, IEB Vice President (Administration and Finance) Engineer ATM Tanbir-ul Hasan (Tamal) stressed the importance of the media in communicating development efforts and professional contributions to the public.
"The media plays a vital role in conveying national progress and the work of professional communities. We expect your continued support in presenting IEB's activities, achievements, and future plans to the people," he said.
Presenting an overview of IEB's activities, Honorary General Secretary Prof Dr Engr Md Sabbir Mostafa Khan pointed to structural imbalances in the engineering profession.
He noted that over 70 per cent of engineers in Bangladesh are employed in the private sector due to limited opportunities in government service. However, many face low salaries, job insecurity and limited benefits, with instances of termination without notice.
Prof Sabbir also expressed concern over the appointment of non-technical individuals to leadership positions in engineering-related organisations and state-owned enterprises.
He called for ensuring that qualified engineers are appointed to key roles such as chairpersons, board heads and managing directors. He also stressed that technically competent professionals should be appointed as project directors (PDs) in development projects.
In his presidential address, Engineer Reazul Islam said that many development projects undertaken in previous years were marred by allegations of corruption and irregularities.
To address these concerns, he announced plans to form a taskforce from IEB aimed at strengthening oversight and ensuring accountability in project implementation.
"Strengthening the engineering sector requires not just infrastructure development but also good governance. Professionalism, efficiency and accountability must be ensured across all projects," he added.
The event was attended by senior IEB leaders, including Vice President (Academic and International) Engineer Khan Monjur Morshed, Vice President (HRD) Engineer Sheikh Al Amin, Vice President (S&DW) Engineer Niaz Uddin Bhuiyan, Honorary Assistant General Secretary (HRD) Engineer Md Nur Amin and Honorary Assistant General Secretary (S&DW) Engineer Sabbir Ahmed Osmani.
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