‘Concerns genuine, but reforms need planning’

Polytechnic students across the country resumed protests on Saturday, demanding urgent reforms through a six-point charter to fix long-standing problems in recruitment policies, education standards, and job opportunities.

A government-appointed review committee, which was formed on April 22 to draft a roadmap for implementing those demands, held its first meeting on the same day.

However, initial discussions within the committee indicate that while some student demands are valid, others may face major challenges in terms of feasibility and policy execution.

After the committee's first meeting, three of its members told The Daily Star that without addressing fundamental problems like teacher shortages, weak governance, and poor enforcement, meaningful change is unlikely -- no matter how promising reforms may look on paper.

The students' six demands include abolishing the 30 percent promotion quota for craft instructors, standardising the diploma-in-engineering curriculum to four years, and ensuring reserved quotas in technical Grade-10 posts.

Students had initially suspended their protests on April 22 after the committee's formation. However, they resumed demonstrations the following day, citing dissatisfaction with the government's response and remarks made by some officials.

Among the demands, the call to abolish the promotion quota has broad support. Student leaders argue that promoting instructors based on seniority rather than merit weakens education standards.

Although the High Court had earlier allowed these promotions, the Supreme Court's Chamber Court recently stayed that order. Students insist that only a complete abolition of the quota will resolve the issue.

"That's a stay order. We want a full cancellation," said Masfik Islam Dewan, a central student leader.

Other demands also reflect deep concerns. Committee members agreed that a standardised four-year curriculum and an age limit for admissions could bring more structure and discipline. However, the demand for an immediate shift to English instruction raised concerns.

Committee members said while English proficiency is essential for global competitiveness, a sudden transition would disproportionately hurt students from rural and underprivileged backgrounds.

Even student leaders admitted the need for a phased approach. "We do not want it implemented right away. It should happen gradually with proper support," said Masfik.

Another demand calls for legal action against organisations that appoint diploma engineers to lower positions despite existing reservations for "sub-assistant engineer" and equivalent Grade-10 posts.

On this point, a committee member said while ensuring fair opportunities is important, it would be difficult to legally stop employers from hiring diploma engineers in lower posts, since hiring decisions often fall outside direct government control.

Students from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology have also rejected this demand, arguing that both diploma and BSc graduates should compete fairly for technical positions through open examinations.

Other proposals gained more support. Committee members backed the call to appoint only technical personnel to lead technical institutions, saying non-specialists often fail to address sector-specific needs.

However, the demand to create a separate ministry for technical education was considered unrealistic, given the already heavy bureaucratic structure. Strengthening existing structures within the Ministry of Education would be a more practical approach, they said.

Similarly, the proposal to establish a technical university for diploma graduates was considered important but would require broader consultation with the Secondary and Higher Education Division due to funding and administrative complexities.

Beyond the immediate demands, deeper issues remain. Despite heavy investment in expanding polytechnic institutes, Bangladesh's technical education system continues to lose students.

In the 2023–24 academic year, nearly 60 percent of polytechnic seats went unfilled. Severe staffing shortages persist, with only 2,900 teachers employed against 15,000 approved posts as of October 2024.

These gaps have weakened confidence among students, and if they are not addressed, protests and declining enrolment could worsen, warned officials.

Explaining the decision to resume protests, Masfik said, "We expected action against those who attacked our protesters in Cumilla, but it didn't happen. Besides, a technical board official made negative comments about our demands after the committee was formed."

Committee members expressed surprise at the students' resumption of protests, warning that impatience could weaken the credibility of their movement.

They stressed that reform is a slow and difficult process requiring consistency and patience.

Speaking to The Daily Star, Shamshur Rahman Khan, head of the committee and additional secretary (development) of the Technical and Madrasah Education Division, said, "We are discussing the matters with utmost importance and a positive spirit. We are not giving less importance to any of the demands."

"After careful review through detailed discussions, if any of them can help improve the sector, even in a small way, we will certainly recommend their implementation," he added.