Polytechnic students across the country have issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the government, demanding immediate implementation of their six-point charter or face a nationwide long march to Dhaka.
The warning came on Sunday (20 April), at 12:50pm from Mishanur Rahman, central representative of the ongoing Polytechnic Student Movement, during a district-wise gathering.
“If the government fails to announce acceptance of our demands within 48 hours, students from all polytechnic institutes across the country will embark on a long march to Dhaka,” he declared.
Earlier that morning, students from various government and private polytechnic institutes under the Technical Education Board began gathering outside Dhaka Polytechnic Institute.
At around 11:00am, they launched a protest march that culminated in a rally outside the Women’s Polytechnic Institute in Agargaon.
The students’ six-point demand includes:
Revocation of the High Court verdict on the promotion of craft instructors to junior instructors and renaming the "craft instructor" designation.
Permanent dismissal of all individuals involved in filing related lawsuits or writs, and immediate cancellation of the controversial 2021 recruitment policy for craft instructors.
Retention of the four-year duration of the Diploma in Engineering course, with an updated syllabus and curriculum aligned with modern global standards.
Exclusive eligibility for four-year Diploma in Engineering and Monotechnology (Surveying) graduates to apply for sub-assistant engineer and equivalent (Grade 10) posts. The grade must be reserved for such qualifications, and private sector diploma graduates must receive a minimum basic salary of Tk 16,000 (equivalent to Grade 10).
Formation of a Technical Education Reform Committee and appointment of technically educated personnel to all leadership positions in the sector, including directors, deputy directors, principals and other responsible roles.
Amendment of all controversial recruitment regulations under the Directorate of Technical Education. Immediate advertisement of vacancies in all polytechnic and technical schools and colleges (TSCs) to ensure the recruitment of skilled teachers and lab assistants with technical education backgrounds.
Issuance of a gazette to establish a university for higher education of Diploma in Engineering and Monotechnology graduates, in line with international standards. Additionally, 100% seat allocation must be ensured at the four proposed engineering colleges in Naogaon, Thakurgaon, Narail and Khagrachhari.
The protesting students have called upon the government to meet these demands without delay, warning that their movement will intensify if action is not taken within the stipulated time.
