Polytechnic students to stage torchlight processions nationwide

A student representative says the demonstration will begin at 7:30pm

Frustrated with the outcome of a lengthy meeting with education ministry officials, students at polytechnic institutions have announced a nationwide torchlight procession to press a six-point list of demands.

On Thursday afternoon, Mashfiq Islam, a representative of the technical students, told bdnews24.com: “Students will hold a torchlight procession at polytechnic institutes across the country at 7:30pm.”

On Thursday, the protesting students sat with a government delegation from Thursday morning until late afternoon.

Rehena Yasmin, additional secretary of the Technical and Madrasah Education Division of the Ministry of Education, led the talks on behalf of the ministry.

Following the discussions, the student representatives announced an escalation in their protest programme, expressing dissatisfaction with the ministry’s response.

Earlier in the day, Mashfiq said: “We sat with the additional secretary, but saw no visible steps taken by the ministry. We are not satisfied by the meeting.”

“The honourable education advisor was not present at the meeting. The honourable secretary was also outside Dhaka. Although the additional secretary spoke with us, she was not able to immediately make many decisions.”

He continued, “Our brothers were attacked in Cumilla. We have been victims of violence in many locations. We did not receive any clear decisions on these matters. That is why the meeting was not fruitful. Maybe it would have been better if the honourable advisor was present.”

On Wednesday, students had blocked roads in key areas of the capital including Tejgaon, Mohammadpur, and Mirpur, as part of their protest.

Their simultaneous occupation of busy roadways led to severe traffic gridlock in rush hour, bringing distress to commuters.

Later, the protesters said they would take to the rail tracks across the country on Thursday to further their cause.

Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman Khan, principal of Dhaka Polytechnic Institute, was also removed from his post amid intensifying protests.

Shahela Pervin, the vice-principal of the institution, was given additional responsibility as principal.

Following are the six demands made by the protesting students:

1. Cancellation of the High Court verdict promoting craft instructors to junior instructor posts, along with a change in the title of craft instructor, permanent dismissal of all involved in the case, and immediate annulment of the 2021 recruitment rules. Protesters also demanded a fair investigation and action against those responsible.

2. Continuation of the four-year Diploma Engineering course, and the formulation of a modern, standardised syllabus and curriculum.

3. Exclusive eligibility for the post of Deputy Assistant Engineer and equivalent (10th grade) for students who have completed a four-year Diploma in Engineering or Monotechnology (Surveying). Private diploma graduates should receive a minimum basic salary of Tk 16,000.

4. Enforcement of the Technical Education Reform Committee's report outlining the appointment of technically educated personnel in positions such as directors, deputy directors, principals, and others within the technical sector.

5. Revision of all controversial recruitment rules under the Directorate of Technical Education and publication of recruitment notices to fill vacant posts with technically educated teachers and lab assistants in polytechnic institutes and Technical School and Colleges (TSCs).

6. Publication of a gazette to establish a university for higher education of Diploma in Engineering and Monotechnology graduates, and reservation of 100 percent of seats for them in the proposed four engineering colleges in Naogaon, Thakurgaon, Narail, and Khagrachhari.