Dhaka Polytechnic students block roads throughout the night

In a dramatic demonstration late on Wednesday night, students of Dhaka Polytechnic Institute staged a road blockade in Tejgaon’s Satrastha area, demanding the implementation of the much-awaited tenth-grade promotion for diploma engineers. The protest, which began around 11:30 pm, brought traffic in the area to a standstill as students marched from their hostels and occupied the roadway.

The students expressed their anger over the recent recommendation to appoint BSc engineers to the post of Assistant Engineer, a decision they argue undermines the long-standing promotion and grade-related rights of diploma engineers. “If the government does not immediately revoke this recommendation, we will escalate our movement further,” said one of the protesting students.

The controversy traces back to a broader dispute between BSc and diploma engineers over recruitment and promotion rights. In an attempt to mediate the conflict, the caretaker government had earlier formed a committee to examine the issue. The committee’s recommendation, which favoured BSc engineers for the Assistant Engineer posts, triggered sharp discontent among diploma students, who felt that the recommendation was discriminatory and ignored their legitimate claims.

Students participating in the protest argued that diploma engineers had been waiting for years for recognition and promotion to the tenth-grade level. They demanded the immediate withdrawal of the committee’s recommendation and the prompt implementation of grade promotions for diploma engineers, highlighting what they perceive as systemic inequity.

The movement, organised under the banner of the “Technical Students’ Movement,” has already signalled plans to intensify their actions. From Thursday onwards, they announced, students across polytechnic institutes would boycott examinations as part of their campaign to force the authorities to reconsider the decision.

Protest Summary Table:

The protest highlights the growing tension between diploma and BSc engineers, with students increasingly prepared to adopt disruptive measures to ensure their demands are met. Observers note that unless the government intervenes to mediate a fair solution, the standoff could significantly disrupt both educational schedules and urban traffic in Dhaka.