Students Break Secretariat Gates, Vandalise Vehicles: Many Injured in Police and Army Batons

Dhaka, 22nd July 2025 — Students demanding the resignation of Education Adviser Professor Dr C. R. Abbar and Senior Secretary Siddique Zobayer escalated their protests today, breaking through the gates of the Secretariat and vandalising vehicles parked inside. The situation quickly became violent, resulting in clashes with both police and military personnel. Many students, including women, were injured during baton charges from the authorities.

Protest Details and Vandalism

The protests, which began peacefully earlier in the day, turned chaotic when students breached the Secretariat gates and scaled the surrounding walls. Upon entering the premises, they targeted the parked vehicles, smashing windows and causing extensive damage. The rampage also spread to the Local Government and Rural Development (LGD) Ministry and the Home Ministry, where further damage occurred.

In an attempt to control the situation, the police and army deployed sound grenades and tear gas while engaging in baton charges to disperse the crowds. Many students were injured in the process, with reports confirming that female students were also among the wounded.

Background of the Protests

The protests were sparked by the tragic crash of a fighter jet from the Bangladesh Air Force, which crashed into the Milestone School and College campus on Monday, 21st July 2025, causing widespread loss of life. As of the latest reports, 31 individuals have been confirmed dead, and over 150 others were injured, with 70 still undergoing treatment in various hospitals.

In the midst of this crisis, students were scheduled to sit for several HSC and equivalent exams on Tuesday. However, a late-night announcement from the government confirmed that the exams would be postponed. The students voiced their frustration, questioning why the decision wasn’t made earlier and expressing anger that the announcement was only made late at night, leaving many students unaware and heading to their exam centres.

Students’ Claims and Resentment Towards Education Adviser

The protesting students are particularly angry with Education Adviser Professor Dr C. R. Abbar, holding him responsible for the handling of the exam postponement and the delay in communication. They are demanding his resignation, citing the poor management of the crisis and the lack of timely information.

The protesters’ primary grievances are:

The delayed announcement of the exam postponement, which caused confusion and distress.

The lack of clear communication regarding the tragic events and their impact on students’ schedules.

Demand for the resignation of the Education Adviser and Senior Secretary, whom they hold accountable for the mishandling of the situation.

Government Response and Law Enforcement Actions

As the protests escalated, the Secretariat gates were closed, leading to significant traffic disruptions. Multiple vehicles were trapped within the Secretariat premises, and the surrounding roads were blocked, causing a ripple effect across the city.

To manage the situation, law enforcement agencies and army personnel took a strict stance, engaging in crowd control measures. Many students were injured in the ensuing baton charges, with female students among the casualties. The authorities are maintaining a vigilant presence in the area as the situation remains tense.

The Ongoing Debate

While some students have voiced their anger at the handling of the exam postponements, others are also raising broader concerns about government communication and crisis management, particularly in situations involving the education sector. With the ongoing crisis, students have demanded more transparency and accountability from the education authorities, highlighting the critical need for proper handling of such national emergencies.

Protestors’ Statement:

“The government should have acted earlier. Many students were unaware of the decision to postpone the exams. Some of us even made our way to exam centres without knowing about the cancellation!”

As the protests continue, the government and the education authorities are under pressure to act swiftly and responsibly to address the demands of the students, and to ensure such lapses in communication do not happen in the future