A press conference was held in Chattogram to mark the 78th founding anniversary of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB), also observed as “Engineers’ Day.” The event took place on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the seminar hall of the IEB Chattogram Centre. Chairman Engineer Monjare Khorshed Alam presented a written statement on behalf of the center.
At the beginning of the event, he paid tribute to the martyrs of the July mass uprising, the Liberation War, and the late engineers of IEB. He emphasized that engineers have played a crucial role in the country’s infrastructure development and will continue to be essential in sustaining future progress.
In his statement, he alleged that engineers had long faced professional discrimination and repression under authoritarian governance. He noted that political interference, partisan practices, and the appointment of non-engineers in key leadership positions created complications in decision-making and hindered national development.
He further stated that after the fall of the government on August 5, 2024, the previous IEB committee stepped down, which temporarily disrupted the activities of the Chattogram Centre. Later, on January 10, 2025, a special meeting involving engineers led to the formation of a new committee, which was subsequently approved by the central council. Since assuming responsibility, the new committee has been actively organizing training programs, seminars, workshops, cultural events, and professional development initiatives.
Highlighting the theme “Building a Technology-Driven Bangladesh: The Role of Engineers in Sustainable Development,” the speakers called for effective measures to address major national challenges such as power and energy shortages, waterlogging, traffic congestion, weak infrastructure, and issues in the port and maritime sectors. They emphasized increasing investment in renewable energy, boosting domestic gas production, and reducing reliance on imports.
The conference also presented an eight-point demand, including ensuring proper placement and promotion of engineers, appointing engineers to top positions in engineering institutions, strengthening quality control in infrastructure development, and adopting long-term planning strategies. Special emphasis was placed on reducing dependency on foreign experts and utilizing skilled local engineers.
It was also announced that a three-day program has been arranged to celebrate the anniversary. On May 7, the कार्यक्रम includes flag hoisting, a rally, and a tree plantation program. On May 8, activities will include prize distribution for sports competitions, cultural events, awards, technical presentations, and a dinner program. Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury is expected to attend as the chief guest.
Among others present at the press conference were Vice-Chairmen Engineer Md. Sakhawat Hossain and Engineer Md. Nurul Alam, Honorary Secretary Engineer Khan Md. Aminur Rahman, along with central council members, executive committee leaders, and senior engineers.
The speakers emphasized that ensuring sustainable national development requires proper recognition and professional dignity for engineers. They also highlighted the importance of collaboration with journalists in raising awareness on national issues.
Additionally, the speakers called for keeping the institution free from political influence and maintaining professional integrity. They also discussed the urgent need for effective and practical planning to resolve the ongoing waterlogging crisis in Chattogram city.
