Students who passed the medical admission test but have yet to secure seats in private institutions are demanding a second admission circular for the 2024–2025 academic session. Many of them cite indecision and financial hardship as reasons for their initial delay in admission.
On Monday, several affected students staged a human chain in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka, calling for private medical institutions to reopen admissions.
Students claim that re-admission circulars were issued in previous years, even up to a third round. But this year, institutions remain unwilling to follow that precedent.
They also allege that despite earlier assurances from authorities regarding a second circular, no action has been taken.
Protesters further complained of discrimination, saying foreign students are still being admitted even though classes began last month, while local students are being excluded. Efforts to raise the issue with the Ministry of Health have reportedly been met with silence.
A guardian at the protest told The Times of Bangladesh that most public university admission tests are now complete. Many students had opted not to pursue alternative options, expecting a second circular from private medical colleges. With no such move yet, parents fear for their children’s academic futures.
Some of the students at the demonstration requested anonymity, expressing concern about potential harassment or repercussions in the admission process.