Dhaka, Aug 28 (V7N) – Students of engineering universities across Bangladesh have declared a “complete shutdown” of classes and examinations for Thursday (August 28), intensifying their movement for three-point demands.

The announcement was made by Sakibul Haque Lipu, General Secretary of the Engineers' Rights Movement, on Wednesday. He said that while students will boycott classes and exams, they will refrain from blocking Shahbagh or causing public suffering.

“None of our three-point demands have been met. The policymakers handling this issue lack subject knowledge. Our nominated members will soon join the committee formed by the four advisors and representatives of engineers,” Lipu stated.

A press conference will be held at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) on Thursday afternoon to announce the next course of action.

Meanwhile, DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali, who visited Shahbagh on Wednesday night, expressed regret to the students over the violent clashes and assured that an investigation committee will be formed on Thursday.

Earlier in the evening, Railway Advisor Muhammad Fawzul Kabir Khan and Environment Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan met with the protesting students. After the meeting, Advisor Fawzul Kabir Khan termed the police-student clash as “unexpected” and said the demands would be reviewed with all stakeholders before a decision is made.

“Demands and discussions will continue, but blocking Shahbagh or marching towards Jamuna cannot be acceptable. Our doors remain open, and communication with the students will continue,” he added.

The students’ three-point charter includes:

  1. Cancelling the 33% quota for diploma engineers in grade 9 and ensuring merit-based recruitment.

  2. Cancelling the 100% quota for diploma engineers in grade 10 and opening it for all.

  3. Restricting the use of the title “Engineer” to only those holding a BSc degree in engineering, with legal action against violators.

END/SMA/AJ