Buet students stage protest against discrimination toward BSc engineers, issue three-point demand 

Students of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) staged a protest today (8 July) demanding an end to discrimination against BSc engineering graduates in public sector engineering recruitment and promotions.

The demonstration began at approximately 11:30am in front of the university's administrative building. The protesting students chanted slogans including "Break the dark hands of the syndicate," "Merit over quota," "There is no place for discrimination in Bangladesh," and "Direct action against the syndicate."

Following the protest, a press conference was held at 12:40pm, where two unidentified student representatives addressed the media on behalf of the demonstrators.

During the press briefing, the students criticised Buet's administration for remaining silent while administrations at other engineering universities such as Ruet and Kuet have already expressed solidarity with similar demands. "Buet's administration must issue a statement supporting our three-point demand and demonstrate solidarity with the movement," said one of the representatives. "They must also send a formal letter to the concerned ministry outlining our demands."

The students highlighted systemic inequalities currently prevailing in the engineering sector, particularly in recruitment and promotions. They alleged that irregular and excessive promotions granted to diploma-holding sub-assistant engineers are shrinking the number of entry-level positions (Grade 9) available for BSc engineering graduates. In several instances, recruitment circulars have reportedly been cancelled post-publication to allow such internal promotions, further limiting entry opportunities for graduates.

The students also pointed out that only diploma holders are eligible to apply for sub-assistant engineer (Grade 10) positions, whereas BSc engineers are excluded despite having higher qualifications. Furthermore, they expressed concern over the misuse of the professional title "Engineer," which, according to them, should be reserved solely for individuals holding a BSc in Engineering.

The three-point demands are: 

1. Entry into Grade 9 engineering positions (Assistant Engineer or equivalent) must require both a qualifying recruitment examination and a minimum qualification of BSc in Engineering. No promotions should be granted through quotas or under alternative designations.

2. Recruitment examinations for Grade 10 technical posts (Sub-Assistant Engineer or equivalent) should be open to both diploma holders and BSc in Engineering graduates from the same discipline.

3. The title "Engineer" must be legally protected, and its use should be restricted to individuals with a BSc in Engineering, in line with international standards. Legal action should be taken against unauthorised usage.

The students vowed to continue their movement until the Buet administration and relevant government bodies acknowledge and act upon their demands.