No agitation needed, Fouzul vows to ensure ‘just resolution’ for engineering students
Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan has assured engineering students that their three core demands will be addressed fairly, urging them to halt ongoing protests and return to their academic institutions.
Speaking to reporters at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Wednesday, August 27, Fouzul Kabir Khan, holds portfolios of three ministries – Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, and the Ministry of Railways, said a just and equitable solution would be reached after thorough consultation with all stakeholders.
Fouzul Kabir Khan is also the chair of an eight-member committee formed by the Cabinet Division to review the professional demands of BSc and diploma-level engineering graduates and to make recommendations on their employment and promotion policies.
The other members of the committee are Housing and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, Education Adviser CR Abrar, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Engineer Mohammad Rezaul Islam, President of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB), Engineer Kabir Hossain, President of the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh (IDEB), Prof Dr Engineer Tanvir Manzur, Chairman of the Board of Accreditation for Engineering and Technical Education, Bangladesh, and Kazi Mohammad Mozammel Haque, Additional Secretary (Organisation and Management), Ministry of Public Administration, who will serve as the member-secretary of the committee.
The statement comes amid a two-day protest led by students from engineering universities, including Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), who have been blocking the Shahbagh intersection in Dhaka.
On Wednesday, demonstrators attempted to march towards the residence of the Chief Adviser on Hare Road, escalating tensions.
The agitation stems from longstanding grievances over recruitment and promotion practices in the engineering sector.
The students are calling for:
Exclusive BSc eligibility for Grade-9 engineering posts (Assistant Engineer or equivalent), with recruitment based solely on competitive examinations. They oppose promotions through quotas or the creation of equivalent posts under different titles.
Open recruitment for Grade-10 technical posts (Deputy Assistant Engineer or equivalent) to both BSc and diploma holders.
Legal action against individuals using the title "Engineer" without holding a recognised BSc in Engineering.
Fouzul Kabir Khan acknowledged the origin of the unrest, citing an incident at the Northern Electricity Supply Company (NESCO) where an engineer was allegedly threatened. “Action has already been taken,” he said. “The individual involved has been transferred as a disciplinary measure.”
He added that the newly formed committee would hold its first meeting soon. “The demands are coming from two groups, BSc engineers and diploma holders, and their concerns differ. We will listen to both sides and ensure a fair resolution.”
Emphasising the government’s commitment, he said, “I made these assurances so students can see that concrete steps are being taken. Our message is clear: return to your campuses. We will make decisions in consultation with your representatives. There is no need to remain on the streets or escalate further.”
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, and a member of the committee, echoed the sentiment. “We are committed to resolving this matter swiftly. We may convene as early as tomorrow.”
Engineering students, however, maintain that their protests were forced by months of inaction. “We’ve been raising these issues for six months with no response,” said one protester. “We had no choice but to come out.”
The government now faces mounting pressure to deliver not only dialogue but tangible reforms in engineering recruitment and professional standards – a move that could reshape technical employment policy across Bangladesh.