Police use water cannon to halt teachers’ march for primary school nationalization

On Wednesday afternoon, a protest by private primary school teachers demanding the nationalization of their institutions was met with police resistance. 

The teachers, marching toward the Chief Adviser‍‍`s residence in Jamuna, were confronted by police, who used water cannons to disperse the crowd.

The incident unfolded at approximately 1:30 PM in front of the National Press Club, where the Bangladesh Private Primary Teachers‍‍` Association had gathered. 

Frustrated by a lack of response to their demands for nationalization, the teachers had decided to march toward the Chief Adviser’s residence in the hope of drawing attention to their cause.

However, as the procession reached the Kadam Fawara area, police stopped them and attempted to reason with the teachers. 

"You cannot go to the residence with such a large group. If you wish, a few representatives can go," the police suggested. 

Despite this, the teachers refused to comply and continued their march. 

In response, the police deployed water cannons, forcing the protestors to retreat.

One of the protestors, Liakat Ali, expressed his frustration, saying, "Our demand is the nationalization of private primary schools. We were marching towards Jamuna, but they used water cannons on us. Why so much discrimination? If the government had taken proper action, we wouldn‍‍`t have had to stand on the streets like this."

Shahbagh Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge, Khalid Mansur, later commented on the situation, stating, "When the teachers tried to march towards Jamuna, they were stopped. When they sat on the road, they were removed. The situation is now calm."

At least five teachers were reported injured during the incident, according to those involved in the protest. 

Despite the police action, the teachers remain determined to continue their fight for the nationalization of private primary schools.