Students Protest in Front of Secretariat Demanding Resignation of Education Adviser

Following the tragic plane crash incident at the Milestone School and College campus, students have gathered in front of the main gates of the Secretariat in the capital, demanding the resignation of the Education Adviser and Education Secretary.

Protest Details

The students launched their protest march around 2:00 PM on Tuesday, 22nd July, heading towards the Secretariat’s main gate. Once they reached the area, they staged their protest at the No. 1 Gate of the Secretariat.

Students’ Grievances

The protesters have voiced several concerns related to the handling of the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) exams and the recent tragedy. One of their key grievances is the late announcement of the cancellation of exams, which they believe has caused unnecessary confusion and distress among students.

The exams for multiple subjects were supposed to be held on Tuesday, but the decision to postpone them came only late at night. Students are questioning why this decision was not made earlier, particularly given the gravity of the situation. They argue that the late-night announcement left many students unaware, and some even went to the exam centres, unaware of the postponement.

“Why was this decision not made sooner?” said one of the protesting students. “Many students were already on their way to the exam centres when they found out the exams were cancelled.”

The Larger Movement

Several protestors, after speaking with a few students, revealed that part of the group had marched from the Dhaka Education Board to the Secretariat. These students are demanding the re-evaluation of the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) results, particularly for those who failed the exams and feel their results were unfairly assessed.

Traffic Disruption and Law Enforcement

The closure of the Secretariat gates has led to significant traffic disruptions, with numerous vehicles trapped inside. In response, the law enforcement agencies have increased their presence in the area, taking precautionary measures to prevent any escalation.

Protesters’ Demands

The students have outlined several demands, including:

Resignation of the Education Adviser and the Education Secretary for their handling of the exam-related issues.

Clear communication regarding any further changes to examination schedules.

Re-evaluation of the SSC examination results for those who believe they have been unjustly marked.

Ongoing Situation

As of now, the situation is still unfolding, with security forces maintaining vigilance at the protest site. The protestors remain resolute, continuing to voice their concerns and seek immediate changes to the education system.

The government’s response to the ongoing protests is awaited, with many hoping for a swift resolution to the concerns raised by students across the city.