Engineering students vow to continue protest until demands addressed

BUET and other engineering students protesting for professional recognition announced a five-point demand on Wednesday (August 27), pledging to continue their movement until Home and Education Advisers accept their demands.

Zubair Ahmed, a BUET Civil Engineering student, presented the demands at a press conference outside Hotel Intercontinental in Shahbagh at 5:15pm.

He called for Home Adviser Jahangir Alam to express regret and ensure accountability for a police attack on students earlier in the day.

The demands include: Action against those involved in the attack on student Rokon; Punishment for mismanagement by police; Formation of a new committee with representatives of teachers and protesting students, replacing the previously notified committee; Issuance of an executive order in line with the earlier three-point demand; Guarantees from Advisers Fouzul Kabir Khan, Adilur Rahman, and Syeda Rizwana Hasan.

Zubair also urged that medical expenses for injured students be covered and safety for protesters be ensured.

According to the press conference, at least 60 students were injured in the police clash.

Earlier, students began their ‘Long March to Dhaka’ programme at 11.00am, demanding three points. Police attempted to stop the march around 1:30pm, leading to clashes involving brick throwing, tear gas, and sound grenades, injuring both students and officers. Protesters subsequently blocked the road in front of the Intercontinental Hotel and continued their movement.