As part of the pre-announced ‘Rise in Red’ campaign, students from various polytechnic institutes once again took to the streets, holding demonstrations in front of their respective educational institutions across the country.
In the capital, students of Dhaka Polytechnic Institute formed a human chain in front of the institute's main gate in Tejgaon on Saturday (April 19) around 11:45 AM.
Holding placards and chanting slogans, the students voiced their demands. Their slogans included; “The blood is on fire, Abu Sayeed, Mugdha, the battle isn't over yet,” “Weapons to build the nation, rise again,” “Why the attack in Cumilla? We demand answers!” “Why the dramatic meetings? Enough of AC room negotiations,” “Polytechnic students, unite!” and “We’ve shed blood, and we will shed more if needed, wrongdoing will drown in a flood of blood.”
The movement stems from a six-point demand that students are calling on authorities to meet.
On Friday evening, students staged a symbolic protest wearing burial shrouds and headbands during a procession.
Earlier, on Thursday (April 17), student representatives held a meeting with the Additional Secretary of Technical and Madrasa Education Division at Ministry of Education.
However, students expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome of the discussions.
Prior to that, on Wednesday (April 16), students from both public and private polytechnic institutes staged a large-scale road blockade at Dhaka’s Sat Rasta intersection from 10 AM to 6 PM as part of their six-point movement.
The ongoing protests reflect growing unrest among the technical education community, as students continue to demand systemic reforms and answers from authorities.
SH
