Protesting engineering students from BUET and other institutions have escalated their movement with a five-point demand, declaring that they will continue their demonstration at Shahbagh until the advisers to interim government on home and education affairs personally arrive and accept their demands.

The announcement came during a press conference held around 5:15 PM on Wednesday in front of the exit gate of Hotel InterContinental at Shahbagh.

Speaking at the briefing, Jubayer Ahmed, a civil engineering student from BUET, stated that protesters reject the committee formed by government notification and demand the formation of a new committee comprising university teachers and student representatives.

Shortly after the briefing, the students began a sit-in at Shahbagh intersection, effectively blocking traffic in and around the area.

Jubayer further demanded that Jahangir Alam, home affairs adviser, must issue a public apology and be held accountable for the police attack on students earlier in the day.

He also called for action against those involved in the assault on Roknuzzaman, a former BUET student and current assistant engineer at NESCO, as well as against police officers responsible for Wednesday’s violence.

The students reiterated their earlier three-point demands, calling for immediate implementation through executive order.

They also demanded that three advisers; Fawzul Karim, Adilur Rahman and Syeda Rizwana Hasan, visit the protest site to provide assurances in person.

Additional demands include covering medical expenses for injured students, ensuring security for protesters and a guarantee that no further attacks will be made on their peaceful demonstrations.

According to student organizers, at least 60 protesters were injured during the police action earlier in the day.

The violence unfolded around 1:30 PM when police attempted to stop students participating in “Long March to Dhaka” campaign from marching towards Jamuna as part of their ongoing protest to press for original three-point demands.

The confrontation saw incidents of chasing, brick-throwing and the use of tear gas and sound grenades, resulting in injuries on both sides.

Following the clash, the students continued their protest by blocking the road in front of Hotel InterContinental, vowing to stay until their demands are met.

Shahbagh Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Khalid Mansur confirmed that the students are currently occupying the intersection, disrupting traffic.

To ease the congestion, alternative routes through Katabon, Matsya Bhaban and InterContinental crossing have been opened, added the OC.