Police intervened with sound grenades and baton charges to disperse 17th batch teacher registration applicants who were marching toward the Secretariat demanding their rights. At least seven sound grenades were reportedly used to break up the demonstration.
The incident occurred near gate No 5 of the Secretariat, adjacent to the National Press Club, on Sunday afternoon.
Earlier in the day, teachers gathered in front of the Press Club for their “Long March to Secretariat” program. Around 1:30pm, they began marching toward the Secretariat.
The protesters had three key demands: issuing of a special notice allowing 17th batch registered candidates to apply following the Appellate Division’s verdict, suspending the 6th public notice recruitment process until the 17th batch issue is resolved, and implementing quick final decisions per recommendations from the Law Ministry and NTRCA.
Protesters continued their sit-in at the Press Club intersection into the evening, with heavy police presence being maintained in the area.
DMP Ramna Division Deputy Commissioner Masud Alam told reporters: “We observed the 17th batch qualified private teacher registration holders protesting since morning. Suddenly, around 1:30pm they approached the Secretariat. Sound grenades were then used. Five to six people were injured at the scene.”
He added: “We had sent five representatives to the Secretariat to discuss updates with concerned departments. However, protesters refused to leave without solutions. When they tried breaking through a police barricade on Link Road despite warnings, we had to use one or two sound grenades to control the situation. A few officers were slightly injured too.”
Other police sources confirmed 6-7 sound grenades were deployed.
Nilima Chakraborty, president of the Deprived Registered Teachers Forum, condemned the police action: “We were holding a peaceful demonstration when this attack happened. This is outrageous and heartbreaking beyond words.”
“Why aren’t they issuing the public notice? Why must helpless people like us beg at every door? We want this injustice to end,” she demanded.