|| News Desk ||
The Association of Engineers, Bangladesh (AEB) organized a discussion titled “The Role of Engineers in Building a Democratic and Developed Bangladesh” on Saturday, October 18, at the auditorium of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) in Ramna, Dhaka.
Former State Minister and BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed attended the event as the chief guest. Engr. A.N.H. Akhtar Hossain, PEng, Acting President and Chief Adviser of AEB, former President of IEB, and a former Secretary, joined as the special guest.
The session began with a welcome speech by Engr. Helal Uddin Talukder, Chairman of the IEB Dhaka Centre and Convenor of the Organizing Committee.
The meeting was chaired by Engr. Shahreen Islam Tuhin, a former Member of Parliament and the Convenor of AEB. The session was conducted by Engr. K.M. Asaduzzaman Chunnu and Engr. Shafiul Azam Fahim.
Among others who spoke at the event were BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Engr. Khalid Hasan Chowdhury Paheen, Engr. Sufiul Alam Talukder Sabuj, Engr. Mia Mohammad Kaiyum, Engr. Khan Manzur Morshed, and Engr. Atikur Rahman.
Representing the Media Subcommittee, Convener Engr. Muhammad Ahsanul Russell and Member Secretary Engr. K.M. Farzadul Islam Miron were present.
In his keynote remarks, Salahuddin Ahmed emphasized that to transform Bangladesh into a developed nation, proper manpower planning across all sectors is essential. He recalled that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman had envisioned a production-oriented education and political system, where skilled professionals would engage in politics and politicians would remain technologically aware.
He added, “Engineers are the driving force behind nation-building. Due to the incompetence and corruption of the current regime, the cost and duration of mega-projects have multiplied. It is the engineers who must take the lead in ending this plundering.”
In his special address, Engr. Akhtar Hossain stated, “Engineers have long been neglected and underrepresented. Their presence in parliament must increase to ensure their rightful contribution to national development.”
In his concluding remarks, Engr. Shahreen Islam Tuhin said, “If the BNP returns to power through democratic means, we will implement technology-driven development plans focusing on power, communication, artificial intelligence, the blue economy, and climate adaptation.”
Speakers at the discussion unanimously highlighted that to build a democratic and technology-driven Bangladesh, engineers must work together with unity and vision, as they not only construct infrastructure but also shape the future direction of the nation.