Senior Correspondent:
The Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB), the country’s oldest professional organization, is calling for a significant shift in the leadership of engineering organizations and companies. They argue that the lack of engineers in top positions, such as chairmen, managing directors, and board directors, is hindering the smooth execution of technical projects and causing delays.
The press conference was presided over by Engineer Abdus Sabur MP, President of the Institution of Engineers. IEB General Secretary Engineer S.M. Manjurul Haque Manju presented the speech. IEB, Vice President Shahadat Hossain Shiblu, Khandkar Manjur Morshed, Nuruzzaman, Kazi Khairul Bashar, Assistant General Secretary Sheikh Tajul Islam Tuhin, Amit Kumar Chakraborty and Ronak Ahsan along with leaders of various departments, centers and sub-centres of IEB were present.
During a press conference held ahead of their 76th founding anniversary, IEB General Secretary Engineer S.M. Manjurul Haque Manju highlighted several critical issues.
The urgent need for engineer leadership in key positions across various engineering organizations and companies. This call to action, outlined during a recent press conference, underscores the crucial role engineers play in ensuring smooth project execution, efficient resource allocation, and ultimately, the successful realization of Bangladesh’s development goals.
IEB’s core argument centers around the detrimental impact of sidelining engineers from top leadership positions within engineering-centric organizations. They point to instances where organizations like the Rural Electrification Board, RAJUK, and BCIC, which previously had engineers at the helm, have now been placed under the leadership of non-engineers. This shift, IEB argues, creates unnecessary complexities and delays in project planning and implementation, often stemming from a lack of technical understanding at the highest levels.
To address this critical gap, IEB demands a paradigm shift: the strategic placement of engineers in top positions, including chairmen, managing directors, and board directors, across various engineering organizations, power companies under Petrobangla, Metrorail, and other engineering-based institutions. This move, they believe, would ensure that technical expertise guides decision-making, leading to more efficient project execution and optimal outcomes.
However, IEB’s concerns extend beyond leadership roles. They have also highlighted several pressing issues affecting the broader engineering profession in Bangladesh. Engineers often face slow promotion rates, even when designated positions remain vacant. This creates a demotivating work environment and disadvantages engineers compared to other administrative cadres, potentially leading to a talent drain from the profession.
The current job structure for polytechnic teachers, with its focus on instructor-principal hierarchy, fails to adequately recognize their qualifications and contributions. IEB advocates for a lecturer-professor system, similar to universities, to provide a more structured career path and enhance the prestige of the teaching profession within polytechnic institutions.
Recognizing the diverse specializations within the engineering field, IEB calls for the creation of separate BCS cadres for sectors like LGED, Water Resources, ICT, and Textiles. This, they argue, would provide dedicated career paths for engineers in these specialized areas, fostering professional development and attracting top talent. Additionally, they urge the inclusion of engineers in the Senior Service Pool positions within the Bangladesh Civil Service, or alternatively, a dedicated 30% reservation for engineers within these roles.
To ensure effective oversight and coordination of infrastructure development projects across various ministries, IEB proposes the formation of an engineering wing within the Prime Minister’s Office. This dedicated unit, staffed with skilled and experienced engineers, could play a crucial role in monitoring project progress, identifying potential bottlenecks, and facilitating timely completion of critical infrastructure initiatives.
IEB expresses deep concern over the trend of appointing individuals without technical knowledge or engineering experience as Project Directors (PDs) for major engineering projects. They emphasize the importance of placing technically qualified personnel at the helm of such projects to guarantee efficient execution, informed decision-making, and the mitigation of potential risks associated with complex technical undertakings.
IEB calls for integrating all power sectors under the Bangladesh Unified Board of Operation (BUBO). This, they believe, would streamline operations, improve risk management for workers, and ensure a more cohesive approach to power generation and distribution across the nation.
By raising these crucial issues, IEB has placed the spotlight on the critical need to prioritize the role of engineers in leading and managing Bangladesh’s technical advancements. Their demands go beyond mere leadership positions; they represent a call for a fundamental shift in recognizing the invaluable expertise engineers bring to the table. Equipping engineering professionals with the necessary authority, fostering career progression opportunities, and ensuring their presence in key decision-making roles are all essential steps towards achieving a more efficient, effective, and technologically driven approach to Bangladesh’s development journey. As the nation celebrates its engineering heritage, IEB’s 76th anniversary serves as a timely reminder that placing engineers at the forefront of technical leadership is not just a demand, but a strategic imperative for Bangladesh’s continued progress and prosperity.
