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| Polytechnic Student Sit-In at DTE |
Students from several polytechnic institutes in Dhaka organized a sit-in at the Directorate of Technical Education (DTE) on January 30, 2026. The demonstration comes in response to the government’s recommendation to allow both diploma and BSc engineers to apply for the tenth-grade assistant engineer posts.
Core Facts:
The protest, attended by hundreds of students, was peaceful but vocal, with participants holding banners and calling for immediate action. The students demand the withdrawal of a recommendation made by a two-member government advisory committee, which suggested including BSc engineers alongside diploma engineers for the assistant engineer recruitment process. The students argue that this move undermines the value of diploma engineering qualifications and could reduce job opportunities for diploma holders.According to the DTE, the assistant engineer posts are part of the government’s broader technical workforce development plan. A spokesperson for the Directorate confirmed the sit-in and said authorities were monitoring the situation and engaging in preliminary dialogue with student representatives.
Reactions & Expert Views:
Education experts and policymakers have weighed in on the issue. Professor Mohammad Farid, an engineering education specialist at Dhaka University, stated, “Integrating BSc engineers into these posts may enhance technical capacity, but it should not come at the expense of diploma holders who have traditionally filled these positions. A careful policy review is necessary.”Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Technical Education Board (BTEB) has indicated that they are open to reviewing recruitment policies, emphasizing that fairness and merit should guide hiring decisions.
Background & Context:
Diploma engineers have historically served as assistant engineers in government technical departments, including the Directorate of Technical Education. Past recruitment policies have largely favored diploma holders, reflecting the country’s focus on promoting technical education pathways. The inclusion of BSc engineers is a recent recommendation aimed at diversifying the talent pool but has sparked concern among students who fear it could create job competition that disadvantages diploma graduates.Future Outlook:
Authorities have assured the students that their concerns will be taken into account during upcoming policy deliberations. The sit-in is expected to continue until official clarification is provided. Experts suggest that the government may announce a revised recruitment framework in the next few weeks to balance fairness with technical workforce expansion.Conclusion:
The ongoing protest highlights the tension between policy reforms and existing educational pathways in Bangladesh’s technical sector. As the government reviews its recommendations, the outcome could set a precedent for future recruitment and career opportunities for diploma engineers nationwide.Sources:
- Prothom Alo
- Bdnews24.com
- The Daily Star
- Bangladesh Technical Education Board (BTEB) official statements
Disclaimer:
This article is written using information collected from reliable and trusted sources. The content is for informational purposes only.FAQ:
Q: What is the sit-in about?A: Polytechnic students are protesting a government recommendation allowing BSc engineers to apply for assistant engineer posts alongside diploma engineers.
Q: When and where did the protest occur?
A: January 30, 2026, at the Directorate of Technical Education, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Q: What do the students want?
A: They demand the withdrawal of the advisory committee’s recommendation and protection of diploma engineers’ job opportunities.
