BUET hosts visionary workshop on engineering diplomacy

Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), in collaboration with Tufts University, USA, hosted a day-long workshop on engineering diplomacy at BUET on Sunday, marking a critical step toward integrating engineering expertise with policy and negotiation to tackle national challenges.

The event was chaired by BUET Vice-Chancellor Professor Abu Borhan Mohammad Badruzzaman, with Nazmul Ahsan, Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, as the guest of honor. The welcome address was delivered by Professor Mashfiqus Salehin of BUET, while Professor Shafiqul Islam of Tufts University presented the keynote speech, emphasizing how engineering diplomacy is essential for solving complex challenges like climate change, water security, energy transition, and infrastructure resilience, said a press release.

The workshop is part of an ongoing initiative to establish the Center of Excellence in Engineering Diplomacy (CEED) at BUET as a national hub. CEED will not only serve as a national hub but also as a solutions-driven institution where engineers, policymakers, and industry leaders collaborate to translate research into real-world impact. By integrating engineering expertise with policy action, CEED will contribute directly to Bangladesh's sustainable development agenda.

Beyond Bangladesh, CEED aspires to be a model for engineering diplomacy in South Asia and globally, addressing challenges such as shared water resources, cross-border energy trade, and climate adaptation strategies that require cooperation across nations.