Dhaka, Aug 27 (V7N) – Tension gripped the Shahbagh area today as students of the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) clashed with police while marching towards Jamuna, the official residence of the Chief Advisor, demanding the fulfillment of their three-point charter.

The students, who began their protest at Shahbagh intersection around 11 am, started their "Long March to Dhaka" towards Jamuna at around 1:40 pm. Police intercepted them in front of the Hotel Intercontinental, where a chase and counter-chase ensued.

Law enforcement used tear gas, sound grenades, and later water cannons to disperse the demonstrators. Several students and at least one policeman were injured and rushed to nearby hospitals.

A Jamuna News correspondent at the scene reported that the situation escalated as police attempted to block the advancing students, leading to repeated confrontations and widespread panic in the area.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan, Advisor to the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, urged the students to return to classes. He announced that a four-member advisory committee would soon be formed to hold discussions with representatives of both BSc and diploma engineers in order to resolve the dispute.

The protesting students have reiterated their three demands:

  1. Cancel the existing 33% quota for diploma engineers in grade 9 posts and ensure merit-based recruitment.

  2. Cancel the 100% quota for diploma engineers in grade 10 posts and open the positions to all.

  3. Restrict the use of the title “Engineer” to holders of a BSc degree and take legal action against misuse.

On Tuesday (August 26), the students had staged a five-hour blockade at Shahbagh, after which they announced today’s long march.

The latest clash has further heightened tension in the capital, with commuters and residents facing severe disruption.

END/SMA/AJ