Protesters leave Education Building premises

The protesting HSC examinees have moved away from the Education Building, with six representatives entering the Secretariat with a six-point demand instead of their earlier call for the Education Minister's resignation. The representatives departed for the Secretariat from near the Education Building around 4:45 pm on Wednesday, July 15. The list of demands submitted by the representatives did not include the minister's resignation.

As part of the pre-announced 'Long March to Education Ministry' programme, protesting students reached the Education Building around 3:45 pm but were met with a police barricade. Six representatives were later allowed to enter the Secretariat. After occupying the area near the Education Building for about an hour and a half, the remaining students left the road at 5:30 pm, declaring they would continue the protest at the Science Lab intersection. Traffic was restored in front of the Education Building and the Secretariat after the students dispersed.

The demands included ensuring the opportunity for those who wish to retake the examinations held during the adverse weather. Those retaking the same subject should have the highest score between the previous and the re-exam considered as final. Students must receive full marks for erroneous questions in question papers.

The students also demanded that considering the ongoing unstable situation, students be given some time to regain mental stability before re-examinations. Assessment must consider changes made to question patterns without prior notice, which were unfamiliar to students compared to previous years. Additionally, strict and confusing behaviour of some teachers under the guise of 'vigilant guards' during examinations must be stopped to prevent fear and mental pressure on examinees.

Earlier, protesting HSC examinees had blocked roads at Uttara, Science Lab, Mirpur-10 and EC Bhaban with a three-point demand. Traffic was halted on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway in front of the BNS Centre in Uttara, at Mirpur-10 roundabout and EC Bhaban. Students at Science Lab intersection continued protests and slogans.

Around 3:00 pm, students at Science Lab began a long march towards the Secretariat, heading to the Education Ministry. Law enforcement personnel were seen in alert positions in front and beside the procession. After the students moved away, traffic gradually returned to normal on Science Lab, Mirpur Road, Elephant Road and towards Shahbagh.

On Tuesday, students had blocked roads in Dhaka, Chattogram, Barishal and other districts demanding the Education Minister's resignation over holding HSC examinations during adverse weather and over remarks referring to students as 'farmed chickens'. On Tuesday night, the students had announced that if their demands were not met, they would hold a 'Long March to Education Ministry' programme on Wednesday. After the protesting students announced that they would not continue the protest for long, the education ministry requested them to send representatives to the Secretariat for dialogue. Six representatives later entered the Secretariat. Among them were representatives from Dhaka City College, Dhaka Ideal College, and other institutions.