Police baton charge and use water cannons against teachers blocking Shahbagh

In a heated standoff at Shahbagh intersection on Monday, February 10, police clashed with protesters demanding the appointment of over 6,500 assistant teachers in government primary schools across Dhaka and Chittagong divisions. 

The demonstration, which had begun peacefully, escalated quickly as the police resorted to baton charges, water cannons, and sound grenades to disperse the crowd.

Around 2 PM, the situation took a violent turn when the police moved in to break up the blockade that had halted traffic at one of the capital’s busiest intersections. 

Despite the police crackdown, many of the protesters held their ground, refusing to leave the area, which only intensified the tension.

The demonstrators, who have been waiting for their final appointments since passing their exams, were demanding immediate job placement.

They claimed that they were promised recruitment as part of the third phase of the government’s teacher recruitment program. 

Although the first two phases were completed without issue, the third phase has been stuck in a legal limbo.

Eyewitnesses reported that the protesters, under the banner of "Recommended Assistant Teachers for Government Primary Schools, Third Phase (Dhaka and Chittagong Divisions)," had gathered near the National Museum earlier in the day. By 1 PM, they had moved to block the Shahbagh intersection, disrupting traffic.

According to Prothom Alo, police arrived shortly after and initially tried to convince the crowd to leave. 

However, when that failed, they used force, first beating the protesters with batons and later using water cannons and sound grenades. 

The protesters, however, were not easily dissuaded and continued their sit-in, determined to press for their demands.

One of the protestors explained that the recruitment notice for their positions was first issued on June 14, 2023. 

After passing the written exam held on March 29, 2024, and completing their interviews in June, 6,531 candidates were selected for the job. 

Despite getting all necessary approvals from the law and public administration ministries, a High Court writ filed by 31 non-selected candidates resulted in the suspension of the recruitment process for six months. 

Then, on February 6, the court canceled their job appointments.

A press release issued by the protestors expressed the frustration and hardship faced by the affected candidates. 

“Even though we were recommended for the jobs, we’re unable to join. Our families are facing social humiliation, and we are going through severe mental stress. How long do we have to endure this? We should be working by now, but instead, we’re fighting for our rights in the streets. Who will take responsibility for our suffering?”

They urged the authorities to let them join their posts without further delay, asking, “How long do we have to wait for justice?”