The Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) has 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.
The issues were highlighted at a media interaction held on Wednesday morning 6th May, 2026 at the IEB headquarters in Ramna, marking the organisation’s 78th founding anniversary (Engineers’ Day).
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 (Rezu) 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 A.T.M. 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.
He added that as Bangladesh advances through technology-driven development, collaboration between engineers and journalists has become increasingly important.
Presenting an overview of IEB’s activities, Dr Md Sabbir Mostafa Khan pointed to structural imbalances in the engineering profession.
He noted that over 70% 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.
“Private-sector engineers are the backbone of project implementation at the field level. Yet, they lack a structured service framework. This is a serious disparity,” he added.
He emphasized the urgent need for a national service rule for private-sector engineers, arguing that such a framework would not only protect professionals but also enhance productivity and the quality of project execution.
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.
Additionally, he urged authorities to grant timely promotions and appropriate grading to engineers instead of keeping them in acting or additional charge roles for extended periods.
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.
He also noted that transparency has been restored in IEB’s membership process, with around 12,000 new members enrolled during the tenure of the current committee.
The event was attended by senior IEB leaders, including Vice President (Academic and International) Engr Khan Monjur Morshed, Vice President (HRD) Engr Sheikh Al Amin, Vice President (S&DW) Engr Niaz Uddin Bhuiyan, Honorary Assistant General Secretary (HRD) Engr Md Nur Amin and Honorary Assistant General Secretary (S&DW) Engr Sabbir Ahmed Osmani.
Also present were IEB Dhaka Centre Chairman Engr Helal Uddin Talukder, Vice Chairmen Engr Abdullah Al Mamun and Engr Md Kamrul Hasan and Honorary Secretary Engr K.M. Asaduzzaman.
Among media representatives were DBC News Editor Loton Ekram, Boishakhi TV CNE Touhid Shanto, Channel One COO Farhana Nishu, BTV Chief News Editor Md Kamrul Islam, GTV CEO Md Rafiqul Islam, Head of News Gausul Azam Bipu and DMD Abul Hasan.
Senior journalists including Kalbela’s Deputy Chief Reporter Shafiqul Islam, Bonik Barta’s Aminul Islam, DRU General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel, Janakantha Executive Editor and DUJ General Secretary Khurshid Alam, The Financial Express’s Shihabur Rahman, Inqilab’s Nurul Islam, Dhaka Tribune’s Shaikh Shahrukh and Manabzamin’s Dhali Abu Hanif also attended.
Reporters, video journalists and camera personnel from outlets such as Somoy TV, Ekattor TV, BTV, Desh TV, GTV, Ekhon TV, Jamuna TV, NTV, Boishakhi TV, DBC News, Manobzamin, The Daily Financial Express, Dhaka Tribune, Daily Desh Rupantor, Amader Shomoy, Bonik Barta and Channel One, kalbela, Janokontho, Newage, Khola Kagoj were also present.
Journalists at the event shared views on challenges facing the engineering sector, including transparency in project implementation and the need for policy reforms.
IEB leaders said they would continue engaging with the media on key national priorities, including energy security, sustainable infrastructure development, and the transition toward a technology-driven economy.