They also called on the government to establish training centres under the National Training Council (NTC) for all technical professionals instead of giving recognition to the engineering staff college.

They placed a three-point demand in this regard at a press conference under the banner of Bangladesh Diploma Engineering Student-Teacher- Professional Action Council.

The demands include 50 percent quota for the promotion of diploma engineers, restoration of previous timescale, selection grade and improvement of the polytechnic education system.

The diploma engineers said the national engineering activities will be limited to only some degree engineers if the government approves the BPERB, as its rules will require everybody to obtain registration from the board before taking part in the engineering activities.

They also said the BPERB would not be accountable to anybody for its activities and nobody could take any legal action even if their activities go against public interest.

They urged the government not to give recognition to BPERB, Engineering Staff College, Ethical Review Board and Accreditation Board for the sake of national interest.

MD Mahfuzur Rahman, member secretary of the Action Council, read out a written statement at the press conference held at the IDEB Bhaban in the city.

He urged the prime minister not to inaugurate any building of the engineering staff college.

The diploma engineers also announced a month-long agitation programmes to press their demands -- forming human chains in all the districts on September 13, one-hour work abstention after office time on September 17 and submitting a memorandum to the prime minister on September 21.