Polytechnic students call for hunger strike over 6-point demand in Chattogram

Students of Chattogram Polytechnic Institute have launched an indefinite hunger strike as part of a movement demanding major reforms in the technical education sector.

The strike began today (21 April) afternoon in front of the Chattogram Press Club over six-point demands including the immediate cancellation of a controversial 30% promotion quota for craft instructors in junior instructor positions.

Students began protests by boycotting all classes and exams. By noon, they moved to the press club area in Jamal Khan, vowing not to eat until their demands are heard and acted upon by the authorities. Many students were seen holding placards and chanting slogans, determined to continue their strike despite the physical risks.

"We are being forced to take this extreme step because our voices have been ignored for too long," said Mustafiz, one of the protesting students. "Every time, we hear promises, but nothing changes. This time, we won't back down."

Students claim that diploma engineers — the primary qualified candidates for junior instructor roles — are being sidelined in favour of craft instructors, many of whom lack formal technical education and hold only Class Eight, SSC, or HSC qualifications. They argue this dilutes the quality of education and disrespects years of technical training.

Their demands include requiring diploma degrees for all junior instructor positions, hiring technically educated individuals in all relevant posts, and establishing engineering universities in every divisional city to serve polytechnic graduates. They also want diploma engineers to be eligible for primary school teaching positions, implementation of a minimum salary scale in the private sector, and the complete removal of the 30% quota for craft instructors.