Polytechnic students set 48-hr ultimatum over six-point demand

Students from polytechnic institutes nationwide on Monday threatened a long march to Dhaka if the government does not address their six-point demand within 48 hours. 

The warning was issued during a grand rally in front of Dhaka Mohila Polytechnic Institute in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, attended by hundreds of students under the banner of Karigori Chhatra Andolon Bangladesh. 

The demonstration started around noon, following a protest procession from Dhaka Polytechnic Institute at 11:00 am, which marched to Agargaon before joining the rally.

The students, protesting for over eight months, criticized the government’s inaction and vowed tougher action if their demands remain unmet.

They also condemned a recent attack on students in Cumilla during a protest. They sought an impartial investigation and swift punishment for those responsible. 

Carrying placards and chanting slogans, the protesters emphasized their demands as essential for safeguarding technical education’s quality and future.

On Friday, students in Dhaka’s Tejgaon wore white burial shrouds (kafon) to express their frustration. Similar protests took place in Jhenidah, Lakshmipur, Khulna, Barishal, Rangpur, and other districts. 

Their six-point demand includes removing “controversial craft instructors” appointed post-2021, converting the diploma engineering program into a four-year course with six-month semesters, and restricting deputy assistant engineer (Grade 10) and equivalent posts to diploma holders only.