The Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) has suspended all undergraduate exams scheduled between August 30 and September 18 in light of ongoing student protests.
A notice published on the university’s website on Wednesday confirmed the postponement, adding that further decisions regarding the exams would be made later through discussions at the Academic Council.
The protests, led by engineering students including those from BUET, are centered around a three-point demand amid tensions between BSc engineers and diploma holders. As part of their movement, students blockaded Shahbagh intersection on Wednesday.
Clashes erupted when protesters attempted to march towards the Chief Adviser’s residence, Jamuna. Police intervened at the InterContinental Hotel intersection using batons, water cannons, tear gas, and sound grenades to disperse the crowd. Several students and police officers were injured in the confrontation.
Footage of police actions against students spread widely on social media, drawing criticism. In response, students regrouped at Shahbagh, continuing their demonstrations and issuing a five-point set of demands, which included a call for the Home Affairs Adviser to apologize for the police assault.
Later in the evening, two government advisers held talks with student representatives at Rail Bhaban, while Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali personally visited Shahbagh to express regret over the incident.
Although students eventually cleared the roads, they announced a “complete shutdown” of all engineering institutions across the country for Thursday. In line with that declaration, no classes or exams were held at engineering universities and colleges nationwide.
