Police charged batons and used water cannons and sound grenades to disperse protesters who had blocked Shahbagh intersection in Dhaka. 

The demonstrators were demanding the recruitment of 6,531 assistant teachers for government primary schools in Dhaka and Chattogram divisions under the third phase of the hiring process.

The protest began around 1:00 PM on Monday when demonstrators occupied Shahbagh intersection, disrupting traffic. 

At approximately 1:50 PM, police intervened with baton charges, followed by water cannons and sound grenades, to clear the area. Several protesters were reportedly injured.

According to the protesters, the recruitment process was announced in three phases. While the first two phases were completed, they alleged that the third phase faced unnecessary delays.

In a press statement, the protesters said that the third phase was announced on June 14, 2023, and after written and viva exams, results were published on October 31, with 6,531 candidates passing. 

However, following legal challenges by some rejected candidates, the recruitment was suspended for six months. 

On February 6, the High Court ruled to cancel the recruitment process.

BDST: 1551 HRS, FEB 10, 2025
MSK/SMS