Police use water cannons to disperse jobseekers

Staff Reporter:

Tensions flared near the Jatiya Press Club on Sunday morning as police clashed with jobseekers from the 17th batch of the Non-Government Teachers’ Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA), who had gathered to demand recruitment under the sixth mass teacher appointment.

The demonstration began around 11:00 AM, when hundreds of candidates blocked the road in front of the Jatiya Press Club, causing severe traffic congestion in the Secretariat and adjacent areas. In response, law enforcement personnel used batons, water cannons, and sound grenades to disperse the protesters, leaving several demonstrators injured.

The aggrieved candidates, who had passed the 2020 teacher registration examination, expressed frustration over the long delay in results, which were only published in December 2023. They are now urging authorities to issue a special recruitment circular, in line with a directive from the Appellate Division, allowing them to apply under the sixth mass recruitment notice.

According to the protesters, NTRCA intentionally failed nearly 40 percent of candidates in the registration exam, an allegation that has sparked widespread anger and calls for transparency.

Despite repeated appeals to the authorities, the candidates claim their concerns remain unaddressed, pushing them to take to the streets. The protest follows a series of demonstrations over the past few months, as jobseekers grow increasingly desperate for employment opportunities after years of uncertainty.

Police officials defended their actions, stating that force was used to restore order and prevent further disruption to public movement in the high-security zone.

The standoff highlights deepening frustration among educated youths facing prolonged delays in the teacher recruitment process. No official statement has yet been issued by the NTRCA regarding the protesters’ demands.