Polytechnic Students Stage Protest in Front of High Court: Demonstration Against Verdict

Date: 18 May 2025 | Updated: 18 May 2025

Polytechnic students are staging a sit-in and forming human chains in front of the Dhaka High Court in protest against the verdict regarding Craft Instructors. Similar demonstrations and human chains are also being held in polytechnic institutes across the country.

Background of the Case

In 2024, the Appellate Division suspended the verdict concerning the promotion of Craft Instructors, pending the final judgment. Students have taken to the streets, demanding justice and a fair ruling.

Six-Point Demand of the Protesters

1. Cancellation of the verdict promoting Craft Instructors and dismissal of their permanent employment.

2. Retaining the duration of the Diploma Engineering course as four years.

3. Limiting Grade-10 job applications to only diploma graduates.

4. Ensuring that only technically educated personnel are appointed to the Directorate of Technical Education.

5. Amending the controversial recruitment policy and appointing skilled lab assistants.

6. Passing a gazette for establishing a new university dedicated to higher education for diploma graduates.

Current Situation and Updates

Since April 29, the students have been observing a shutdown program. Although classes resumed on May 7, they continue to boycott form fill-up and examinations. The students are currently awaiting the final verdict.