Aspiring teachers encountered police obstruction on Wednesday during their "Long March to the Secretariat" as they demanded an increase in the age limit for entry into private teaching jobs to 35 years and the issuance of a mass circular to recruit those who passed the 17th Teachers' Registration Exam.
Eyewitness reports confirm that at 1:10 pm, a large procession of teachers began marching from the National Press Club towards the Secretariat. However, police intervened midway-near Gate 5 of the Secretariat-and blocked their advance.
Tensions flared when the teachers attempted to remove the police barricade and move forward. In response, additional law enforcement personnel arrived and surrounded the demonstrators. One protester addressed the police, saying, "Please don't hit us. We're heading to the Secretariat with legitimate demands. If needed, listen to our points-if you think they are unreasonable, we will go back. But please don't repeat the kind of behaviour we've seen towards teachers before. That won't end well."
Initially, police ordered the teachers to vacate the area, but after hearing their statements, their stance softened slightly. However, they continued blocking the path while listening to the teachers' demands. Protesters stood firm at the barricade, chanting slogans to press their case.
During the standoff, the teachers referenced a letter from the Ministry of Law, reportedly signed by legal expert Asif Nazrul, stating that there were no legal barriers to their recruitment. The letter emphasised that the candidates possess high academic qualifications and ranked at the top of the merit list.
Another teacher added, "We urge our police brothers to consider that the High Court ruling is in our favour. Will you not honour that ruling? If you do, then please hear us out. We want to meet with officials at the Ministry of Education and present our proposals. Whether you allow us to proceed or suggest an alternative arrangement-that's your decision."
