Students from polytechnic institutes across the country on Sunday issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the government to meet their six-point demand.

They warned of launching a long march and intensifying their protests if no visible action is taken within the deadline.

The announcement came during a rally organised by Karigori Chhatro Andolon in front of Dhaka Women’s Polytechnic Institute.

Jobayer Patoary, a student of Dhaka Polytechnic Institute and representative of Karigori Chhatro Andolon, told the Daily Sun, “If there is no visible progress within 48 hours, we will escalate our movement. Students from across the country will gather in Dhaka to press home our demands.”

He added, “We were forced to take to the streets after our repeated calls went unheard. We will not return to classes until our demands are met. This is no longer just a movement of polytechnic students—it now includes teachers, engineers and professionals from various fields.”

Students from various public and private polytechnic institutes joined the protest and demanded the annulment of a High Court verdict that promotes craft instructors to junior instructor positions, among other issues.

Earlier in the day, students formed a human chain in front of Dhaka Polytechnic Institute, protesting the verdict and an alleged attack on demonstrators at a recent rally in Cumilla. After the human chain, they draped the institution’s nameplate in red cloth as part of a symbolic programme dubbed “Rise in Red”.

Since Wednesday morning, students have been blocking roads in Tejgaon’s Saat Rasta, Mohammadpur, Mirpur and other parts of the country, causing public inconvenience.

Amid the ongoing protests, Dhaka Polytechnic Institute Principal Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman Khan was removed from his post on Wednesday night.

On Thursday, students called for a nationwide blockade of roads and railways. Though officials from the Ministry of Education met with student representatives that morning, the discussions yielded no resolution.

That evening, torch processions were held in various polytechnic campuses, followed by a symbolic rally on Friday where students marched wearing white cloths on their heads, signifying their willingness to sacrifice. With no positive response from the government, they called a “mass rally” on Sunday. Having seen no breakthrough there either, they have now threatened to march toward Dhaka in a long march.

The students’ six-point demand

Annulment of the High Court verdict promoting craft instructors to junior instructor positions. They also demand renaming the post of craft instructor and the dismissal of all officials involved in the related controversial recruitment process of 2021.

Continuation of the four-year diploma engineering programme, with a globally compatible curriculum and syllabus.

Reservation of the Sub-Assistant Engineer (10th Grade) position exclusively for diploma-in-engineering and monotechnic (Surveying) graduates. They also demand a minimum basic salary of Tk16,000 in private sector jobs for diploma graduates.

Reform of the Technical Education Reform Committee, ensuring leadership roles (director, deputy director, principal) are filled by those with a technical education background.

Amendment of controversial recruitment rules under the Directorate of Technical Education and immediate recruitment of qualified teachers and lab assistants in vacant posts at polytechnics and TSCs.

Establishment of a university for diploma and monotechnic graduates to ensure higher education opportunities, as well as full student enrolment in four proposed engineering colleges in Naogaon, Thakurgaon, Narail and Khagrachhari.