Police used batons and sound grenades to disperse a group of teacher candidates who were marching towards the Secretariat in Dhaka on Sunday as part of their ongoing protest demanding recruitment based on recommendations from the Non-Government Teachers` Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA).
The clash occurred around 1:30 PM at the Secretariat intersection when the protestors attempted to break through police barricades.
The candidates, many wearing white shrouds symbolizing their determination, had been staging protests for several months, pressing for their inclusion in the recruitment process.
The protestors were marching with three key demands:
The issuance of a special recruitment circular for the 17th batch of registered candidates in accordance with a verdict from the Appellate Division, suspension of the sixth mass recruitment notice until issues related to the 17th batch are resolved and swift final decisions by the authorities as recommended by the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs and the NTRCA.
As the protestors advanced towards the Secretariat area, police intervened, citing a ban on public gatherings, processions, and rallies in the vicinity of the Secretariat, the Chief Advisor`s residence, and nearby zones.
Law enforcement officials confirmed that at least five sound grenades were deployed to disperse the crowd, and several individuals were injured during the clashes, including both protestors and police personnel.
Earlier in the day, the demonstrators had gathered in front of the National Press Club before heading towards the Secretariat.
Police later allowed a small delegation of five representatives from the protestors to enter the Secretariat for discussions.
However, the protestors later attempted to advance en masse, prompting the police to take further action to control the situation.
Authorities emphasized that gatherings in the restricted area could not be allowed due to security and administrative orders in place under Section 144. The situation was brought under control following the police intervention.
