Protesters vow to continue demo

Protesters demanding the reinstatement of 6,531 assistant teacher appointments in government primary schools have vowed to continue their demonstrations, claiming discussions at the Secretariat regarding their demands were futile.

Issuing an ultimatum, they demanded that the High Court's decision to cancel the appointments be revoked by noon today, warning of tougher actions if their demands are not met.

The announcement was made last evening in front of the National Museum at Shahbagh, following a meeting between a six-member protester delegation and the primary education adviser and secretary. However, the delegation described the talks as unproductive.

Delegation member Jannatul Naim said the secretary reassured them, saying the matter lay within the court's jurisdiction, and urged them to trust the government.

"After meeting the secretary, we spoke with the adviser, who assured us none of the 6,531 candidates would be excluded. We urged swift resolution of the legal process to allow us to join our positions," she said.

Jannatul said, "We have been given promises before. This time, we will not leave. We will stay on the streets until our demands are met."

On February 6, the HC cancelled the recruitment of 6,531 candidates from the third phase of appointments for assistant teacher positions in government primary schools in Dhaka and Chattogram divisions. The Primary and Mass Education Ministry has since appealed for a review of the ruling.

Earlier yesterday, protesters staged a sit-in at Shahbagh, blocking roads. Police used batons, water cannons, sound grenades, and tear gas to disperse the crowd, leaving several protesters injured. Some individuals were detained but later released.