Police baton charge students in front of Sangsad Bhaban

Police charged HSC candidates with batons outside the Sangsad Bhaban on Tuesday evening to remove them from the area.

On Tuesday, students staged protests across the capital demanding the resignation of the Education Minister. 

Police moved to clear the demonstrators from Manik Mia Avenue at approximately 6:30 pm. 

Initially, the law enforcers attempted to persuade the protesting students to disperse peacefully. However, the situation escalated at around 6:45 pm when the examinees attempted to breach the perimeter and enter the Sangsad Bhaban, prompting police to deploy their batons. 

The baton charge followed a series of demonstrations that began on Tuesday morning at the Science Lab intersection. 

After being prevented by police from marching towards the Dhaka University vice-chancellor’s residence, the students relocated to the Plassey intersection near the Dhaka Board. 

They subsequently returned to the Science Lab intersection before finally making their way to the Sangsad Bhaban. 

The movement drew a large number of examinees from various institutions, including City College, Kabi Nazrul Government College, Munshi Abdur Rouf College, Udayan College, Milestone College, Commerce College, Dhaka Oriental College, Hamdard Public College, and Siddheshwari College.

The protesters have put forward three specific demands. They are calling for the immediate postponement of all HSC examinations until adverse weather conditions completely normalise, and for special arrangements to be made for those unable to sit their papers on July 13 due to the inclement weather. Furthermore, the students are demanding the Education Minister step down within the next 24 hours. 

Those taking part in the demonstration alleged that many candidates faced extreme hardship simply reaching their examination centres. 

They also raised concerns that the exams were proceeding despite many students not having completed the required syllabus due to the disruptions.