The government has taken the ongoing dispute between BSc and diploma engineering students seriously and is working toward a fair resolution, said Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Road Transport and Bridges and Railways Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan.
Speaking after the first meeting of newly formed committee to examine the demands of BSc and diploma engineers, held at Ministry of Public Administration on Thursday, the adviser urged for patience from all sides.
“We need a little time,” he said, emphasizing that solutions would be based on discussions, not sudden decisions.
Khan noted that while the government is aware of both the three-point and seven-point demands raised by different groups, a decision cannot be taken in haste.
“We first need to listen, understand and then decide. It’s not possible to simply accept demands in parts without full understanding,” he added.
He also said the committee will engage with three key stakeholder groups: protesting students, their institutional representatives (such as vice-chancellors and education board officials) and major public sector employers like PWD, LGED and BPDB, who regularly recruit engineers.
When asked about campus closures and student unrest, Khan replied, “We consider the committee’s formation and today’s meeting as the first step toward a solution. Students are welcome to sit with the working group at any time moving forward.”
Addressing recent protests, Khan acknowledged the students’ efforts and urged them not to disrupt public life further, as the government is now actively engaged.
“We thank them for responding to our call and returning to their campuses from Shahbagh,” he said.
On reaching a balanced outcome, the adviser said, “Accepting one demand may please one side and frustrate the other. Our aim is to build a bridge so both sides can come together. A solution must benefit all involved.”
Meanwhile, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, also a member of the committee, said the challenges faced by engineering students are longstanding.
“These are not new problems. We’ve formed a 14-member working group to hear from both BSc and diploma engineers and analyse the legal and structural aspects thoroughly.”
She emphasized that all voices will be heard before the committee makes any recommendation.
“We’ve received numerous documents that will be reviewed before further action,” she added.
Calling for restraint, She urged protesters to avoid causing public hardship.
“Since these are deep-rooted issues, we request demonstrators to express their concerns without disrupting public life,” she said.
