Abdul Momin, Bogura: As a nationwide protest over six-point demands and alleged discrimination in the technical education sector escalates, students of Bogura Polytechnic Institute have taken a bold step in their ongoing movement.
On Saturday (April 20), as part of the “Rise in Red” program, students draped the main entrance of their campus in red cloth—symbolizing defiance and urgency. Around 12 PM, a protest rally began inside the campus and concluded at the institute’s main gate, where the dramatic act took place.
Students declared that the gate would remain covered indefinitely until their demands are met.
This was preceded by several significant demonstrations in recent days. On Friday (April 19), students marched with white shrouds tied around their heads—signifying a do-or-die stance. Starting from the institute premises, they marched through the Colony area and held a sit-in in front of the gate.
Earlier, on Thursday evening (April 18), protesters locked the main gate of the campus and declared it closed for an indefinite period. “We reject the dialogue being held at the central level,” said one protester. They also issued a 24-hour ultimatum for craft instructors residing in quarters to vacate.
On Wednesday (April 17), students blockaded the busy Dhaka-Rangpur highway at Bonani Mor in Bogura from 11:30 AM to 2:45 PM, burning tires and chanting slogans. Students from five technical institutions—including Bogura Polytechnic—participated.
Even earlier, on April 15, students organized a rally and gathering at the city’s central Satmatha intersection, where they first placed their six-point charter of demands. These include: withdrawal of a recent High Court verdict, revision of recruitment policies, immediate hiring of skilled teachers and lab assistants for vacant posts, setting age limits for diploma engineering courses, forming a separate Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, and establishing advanced technical universities.
Student leaders have vowed to continue their protests until their demands are fulfilled, warning of even more intensified action if necessary.
LND/NE
