Students of Medical Assistant Training School (MATS) have announced a new set of programs to press for their four-point demands.
According to the schedule, they will hold a sit-in at the Central Shaheed Minar until 12:00 PM on Monday. If their demands are not met by then, they will begin an indefinite hunger strike.
The announcement was made at a press conference held near Raju Sculpture area of Dhaka University on Sunday evening.
Mujahidul Islam, the central coordinator of the General MATS Students Unity Council, addressed the media and outlined their plans.
Mujahidul stated that the Ministry of Health had assured them of fulfilling their demands, including the issuance of a job circular within three days. However, no concrete steps have been taken to address their other three demands. "We have decided not to leave the Shaheed Minar until our demands are met. We will continue our sit-in overnight and wait until 12:00 PM tomorrow. If our demands are not fulfilled by then, we will go on an indefinite hunger strike," he said.
He also condemned a police attack on MATS students earlier in the day. "When a team of our representatives went to the Ministry of Health for a meeting, our other students were heading towards the Press Club to hold a sit-in. On their way to Shahbagh, police launched an unprovoked attack on them. Around 60 students were seriously injured, and a total of 120 students were hurt in the attack. Many are now receiving treatment in hospitals," Mujahidul said.
He strongly condemned the police action, calling it reminiscent of the attacks on anti-discrimination protesters during the fascist Hasina regime. "We demand that those involved in this attack be identified and brought to justice," he added.
Earlier on Sunday, MATS students blocked the Shahbagh intersection at 11:00 AM, demanding the fulfillment of their four-point charter. They issued an ultimatum and later began a long march from Shahbagh at around 4:15 PM. Clashes erupted when police tried to stop them, but the students broke through the barricades and continued their march.
The four-point demands of the MATS students are:
1. Immediate recruitment to vacant positions in the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and the Directorate General of Family Planning, along with the creation of the post of Sub-Assistant Community Medical Officer in community clinics.
2. Correction of inconsistencies in the 2021 curriculum, revision of internship logbooks, and resolution of issues related to institutional and course name changes.
3. Provision of higher education opportunities in clinical subjects recognized by the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC).
4. Revision of the proposed Allied Health Professional Board draft law, including changes to its name and other necessary amendments.
The students have vowed to continue their movement until their demands are met, highlighting the ongoing struggles for fair treatment and opportunities in the medical education sector.
