Desk Report: The need to reform diploma engineering curricula, strengthen research facilities and create better career opportunities for technical graduates came into focus at the 6th Diploma Summit-2026 organised by Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir in the capital on Friday.

The daylong summit, attended by selected diploma students, engineers, academics and other professionals, was held at Al-Falah Auditorium in Moghbazar, with discussions focusing on the challenges facing technical education, professional development and the role of diploma engineers in national development.

Shibir Central President Nurul Islam attended the programme as the chief guest. Hafez Yusuf Islahi, the organisation’s central college affairs secretary, conducted the event.

The programme began at 7:30am with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by a Quranic session conducted by Maulana Rafiqul Islam Miazi, chairman of An-Nahda Foundation. Yusuf Islahi delivered the inaugural address before the main sessions began.

Addressing the gathering, Nurul Islam expressed concern over the longstanding challenges in diploma engineering education, particularly unresolved curriculum issues and inadequate research infrastructure.

“The curriculum for diploma engineers has remained unresolved for a long time. There are insufficient laboratory facilities for research, a lack of research laboratories and inadequate equipment. Unfortunately, there has been no meaningful government initiative to address the problems of this vast sector,” he said.

He called on the government to take prompt and effective measures to improve the quality of technical education and resolve the longstanding problems faced by diploma students.

Technical education is essential to building a sustainable and prosperous Bangladesh, he said, describing diploma engineers as one of the key driving forces behind the country`s development and production.

He urged students to develop their professional skills by combining modern technology with honesty, integrity and ethical values, so that they could contribute to the country`s progress.

The Shibir president also stressed the importance of students remaining aware of their legitimate rights and taking an active role in addressing the existing challenges in technical education.

The discussions highlighted the importance of technical and vocational education in preparing skilled professionals for the country`s evolving economic needs. Better-equipped laboratories, updated curricula and stronger practical learning opportunities can help students develop the competencies required in engineering, infrastructure development and industrial production.

Participants also emphasised that professional competence should go hand in hand with moral values, discipline and a sense of responsibility.

Invited guests and organisational leaders encouraged students to become skilled engineers while cultivating good character, punctuality and Islamic manners. They said a balanced and progressive society requires professionals who combine technical expertise with ethical conduct and disciplined lifestyles.

A panel discussion titled “Career Prospects and Job Opportunities for Diploma Engineers” was one of the key sessions of the summit.

The discussion featured former DUET leaders Engineer Irfanul Hasan Sakib and Engineer Imrul Kayes Parag, Assistant Engineer at the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) Engineer Zahidul Hasan, National Diploma Doctors Forum (NDDF) Secretary General Md Em Rahman Bappi, and leaders of the Forum of Diploma Engineers Bangladesh (FDEB).

The session provided a platform to discuss professional development, employment prospects and the career challenges facing diploma graduates. The participation of engineers from different professional backgrounds also offered students an opportunity to gain insights into career planning and workplace expectations.

Among those present were Shibir Secretary General Sibgatullah, Central Office Secretary Azizur Rahman Azad, Central HRM Secretary Noman Hossain Nayan, Central HRD Secretary Helal Uddin Rubel and Industries and Culture Secretary Zakir Hossain.

Engineers, educationists, Islamic scholars and academics from different fields also attended the programme.

The summit concluded with a broader call for improving technical education, strengthening professional skills and encouraging students to contribute to the country`s development through knowledge, integrity and responsible citizenship.