Tariqul Islam Russell harboured aspirations of becoming an engineer when he was admitted to the Civil Engineering Department at World University in the capital.
Graduating with commendable results, he eagerly entered the professional realm only to encounter a hurdle - the inability to use the title “engineer” before his name due to the absence of a professional registration number.
This predicament has deprived him of numerous job opportunities in the workforce.
According to the University Grants Commission (UGC), Bangladesh boasts 40 public, 102 private, and one international university offering engineering degrees.
However, to ensure the quality of engineering education, separate recognition from the Board of Accreditation for Engineering and Technical Education (BAETE), established by the Engineers Institution Bangladesh (IEB), is mandatory.
Surprisingly, only 31 universities in the country have accreditation for 76 engineering courses, comprising 10 public, 20 private, and one international university.
Notably, prestigious public universities like Dhaka University, Jahangirnagar University, and Rajshahi University find themselves on the list of non-accredited institutions.
BAETE has established minimum requirements for each engineering program in line with international standards.
When an organization seeks accreditation, adherence to these conditions is mandatory for recognition.
The accreditation not only provides students with membership to the IEB upon graduation but also grants them a registration number as engineers.
This unique identifier facilitates access to higher education and career opportunities on an international scale.
Furthermore, institutions like IEB play a crucial role in accrediting the quality of engineering education globally, opening doors for Bangladesh's accredited engineers to the international job market.
IEB members
Among the public universities, the permanent members of IEB include Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet), Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (Ruet), Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (Cuet), Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (Kuet), and Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (Duet). Additionally, BAETE accredits other esteemed institutions like Khulna University (KU), Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (Sust), Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University in Tangail, Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), and Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU).
Private and international universities accredited by BAETE include American International University Bangladesh (AIUB), Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology (AUST), Bangladesh Army University of Science and Technology (BAUST), Brac University, Daffodil International University (DIU), Dhaka International University, East West University (EWU), Eastern University (EU), Green University of Bangladesh, International Islamic University Chittagong (IIUC), Independent University Bangladesh (IUB), International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT), North South University (NSU), Primeasia University, Stamford University Bangladesh, Southeast University, Southern University Bangladesh (SUB), United International University (UIU), University of Asia Pacific (UAP), University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB), and Islamic University of Technology (IUT).
Universities remain indifferent
According to students, university administrations and the related departments have to go through a strict oversight from the BAETE to get the accreditation. The university needs to ensure adequate teachers, labs, and other facilities.
Unfortunately, a significant number of universities opt not to pursue accreditation, as there is no official pressure, and department officials often lack the initiative to address this issue.
Even graduates with engineering degrees from Dhaka University (DU) face challenges in obtaining membership with the Engineers Institution Bangladesh (IEB).
While students express concerns about this matter, university officials remain seemingly indifferent.
Dr BM Mainul Hossain, a professor at the Institute of Information Technology of DU, argues that professional recognition, rather than accreditation, is crucial for his students.
He said that the skills showcased by graduates will pave the way for successful careers in the sector, making accreditation seemingly unnecessary for students of the institute.
"I believe that the students' skills in a work-oriented subject will be apparent to everyone, and nothing else will overshadow this aspect," Prof Mainul added.
What authorities say
Prof Dr Kazi Bayzid Kabir, member secretary of BAETE, emphasizes that the UGC's approval is solely required for awarding degrees within its jurisdiction. However, due to legal reasons, graduates from departments not affiliated with IEB cannot append "engineer" to their names. To gain IEB membership, engineering departments must obtain accreditation from the Bangladesh Board of Accreditation for Engineering and Technical Education, contingent on meeting specific conditions.
Dr Kazi Bayzid Kabir told Dhaka Tribune that IEB membership signifies a department's commitment to maintaining a standard curriculum and producing graduates of high calibre. However, even non-member departments can have their graduates use "Engineer" in their titles if they possess a degree accredited by IEB, in accordance with the country's laws.
Engineer Md Abdus Sabur, president of the Central Executive Committee of IEB, said that only departments adhering to standard teaching quality receive accreditation from the Board of Accreditation for Engineering and Technical Education. Accredited departments are recognized as IEB members.
He emphasized that departments failing to maintain proper standards will not gain membership.
Abdus Sabur said: “Moreover, we are going to be a full member of an international organization based in Washington. From then, only those who conduct academic activities upholding international standards will get accreditation. This recognition will further assist domestic engineers in entering the international market.”
