Polytechnic students across Bangladesh are set to hold a grand assembly today at their respective institutions, under the banner of the "Technical Student Movement," demanding the fulfillment of six key demands.

The announcement came on Saturday (April 19) following a human chain event titled "Rise in Red", where students at Dhaka Polytechnic Institute raised red flags at the main gate as a symbol of protest. Zubayer Patwary, a representative of the movement and a student at the Dhaka Polytechnic Institute, officially declared the nationwide gathering.

Earlier on Friday, students staged a symbolic protest march wearing white shrouds on their heads, signaling a grave resolve in their ongoing movement. The protest campaign has been underway for over a month and a half, with students pressing for their six-point charter of demands.

The Six Demands of Polytechnic Students
1. Abolition of Promotion Quota for Craft Instructors:

Cancel the 30% promotion quota for craft instructors to junior instructor positions.
Revoke the High Court verdict that allowed illegal promotions of craft instructors.
Change the designation of craft instructors, dismiss those involved in legal controversies, and completely nullify the controversial recruitments made in 2021.
Amend the disputed recruitment rules immediately.
2. Age Limit and Curriculum Reform in Diploma Engineering:

Abolish open-age admission for diploma in engineering courses.
Implement a quality, four-year curriculum modeled on international standards.
Gradually shift all academic activities to English.
3. Legal Action Against Underemployment of Diploma Engineers:

Take legal action against government and autonomous institutions that appoint diploma graduates in lower-grade posts, despite reserved positions in Grade 10 (equivalent to sub-assistant engineers).
4. Ban on Non-Technical Personnel in Key Roles:

Legally prohibit the appointment of non-technical personnel in technical administrative positions such as directors, assistant directors, board chairmen, deputy secretaries, exam controllers, and principals.
Immediately recruit technically educated personnel in these positions and fill all vacancies for qualified teachers and lab assistants.
5. Establishment of Separate Ministry and Reform Commission:

6. Expansion of Higher Education Opportunities:

Establish a high-standard technical university for graduates of polytechnic and monotechnic institutes.
Ensure 100% admission opportunities for polytechnic and monotechnic graduates in the four under-construction engineering colleges (Narsingdi, Natore, Khagrachhari, and Thakurgaon) under DUET through temporary campuses and academic programs from the upcoming session.
The student-led movement continues to gain momentum nationwide, with organizers urging authorities to address their grievances without delay.