BUET condemns police action against engineering protesting students
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Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) on Wednesday condemned police action against engineering students protesting in Dhaka, saying it was “deeply angered and saddened” and calling the use of force “unacceptable.”
BUET urged the government to investigate and take swift action against those responsible, according to a statement signed by Registrar N M Golam Zakaria.
Students from BUET and other institutions have been demonstrating for equal rights for BSc (Engineering) graduates in assistant engineer posts, removal of quota-related discrimination and fair job opportunities.
On Tuesday, BUET’s vice chancellor and pro-vice chancellor met the education adviser at the Secretariat to seek urgent steps.
The next day, the government formed an eight-member committee led by Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan to review the demands of BSc graduates and diploma engineers.
On Wednesday, police used tear gas, sound grenades and batons to disperse students marching towards the chief adviser’s residence.
BUET said many were injured.
Protesters claimed 50 to 60 students were hurt, while police said several officers were injured by brick-throwing.
Students had blockaded Shahbagh for five hours on Tuesday and resumed demonstrations on Wednesday with a “long march to Dhaka,” occupying roads and later clashing with police near the Intercontinental Hotel.