Polytech students hold 'rise in red' programme

Polytechnic students are holding a nationwide 'rise in red' programme on Saturday, April 19, to press home their six-point demand, including cancellation of the High Court verdict on the promotion of craft instructors to junior instructors.

As part of the central programme, students of Dhaka Polytechnic Institute formed a human chain in front of the institute at Tejgaon in Dhaka around 11:45am.

Students of other polytechnic institutes are holding human chain programme in front of their respective institutions across the country.

Sabbir Ahmed, central representative of the 'Technical Students movement', told English daily The Daily Start the main gate of the country's all polytechnic institites will be covered with red cloth today.

Alongside, human chain with placards will be formed on both sides of the road or important points without causing sufferings to people, he added.

He also said they will continue their movement until their demands are met.

Earlier on Friday, April 18, the protesting students brought out processions wearing ‘burial shrouds’.

On Thursday, April 17, they met with additional secretary of Technical and Madrasah Education Division and after the meeting, they expressed their dissatisfaction.

Earlier on Wednesday, April 16, polytechnic students blocked roads in Dhaka and some districts of the country to press home their six-point demand.

The agitating students are demanding immediate transfer of all ‘controversial’ craft instructors appointed in 2021 under the Directorate of Technical Education and the continuation of the four-year Diploma in engineering course with each semester lasting a full six months.

They are also calling for restrictions on recruitment for the post of Sub-Assistant Engineer (10th grade), ensuring these positions remain reserved for diploma engineers and a reform of the Technical Education Board to prevent non-technical personnel from holding key roles.

Other demands include amending the Directorate’s recruitment rules, appointing qualified technical personnel to fill vacant posts and teaching positions, and ensuring 100% seat allocation in proposed four engineering colleges for diploma graduates to pursue higher education.

UNB contributed to this report.

KR/MSU