he Cabinet Division has formed a committee to examine and make recommendations on the professional demands of BSc and diploma engineers, amid protests by both groups over competing demands.

The division issued a circular today (27 August) announcing the formation of an eight-member committee, including four advisers, with Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan being the chair.

BSc engineers from Buet and other universities have launched protests with three demands, including barring diploma engineers from using the title of “engineer” before their names. They blockaded the Shahbagh intersection for the second day today to press home their demands.

On the other hand, diploma engineers are staging demonstrations with seven demands, including not allowing BSc engineers to be appointed to sub-assistant engineer posts.

In an immediate reaction, committee chief Fouzul told TBS, “To address the grievances of students from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) and other engineering universities, this committee will soon meet with the representatives of protesters to hear their demands.”

The protesters are making demands that run counter to the existing system, he said, adding that after listening to their position, the authorities will do whatever is justified and logical.

When asked how the committee will address the protesters’ demands, the adviser said, “To reach a proper solution, we will examine the status and recognition of diploma engineers in neighbouring countries.