DHAKA, Aug 28, 2025 — Student unrest reached a critical stage today as engineering students across Bangladesh announced a complete shutdown of all engineering universities. The move comes amid escalating protests in the capital.
Earlier in the day, around 1,100 representatives of engineering students gathered at the Rail Bhaban in Dhaka for a dialogue with two advisers of the interim government. Adviser Fawzul Karim Khan cautioned against the repeated attempts by protesters to march toward Jamuna Bhaban, warning that such actions would not bring positive outcomes.
Despite the appeal, student leaders announced the suspension of all academic activities at engineering universities until their key demands are fulfilled. The demands include:
1. Withdrawal of all cases filed against student protesters during recent demonstrations.
2. Ensuring safety and security of students participating in the movement, particularly on campuses.
3. Clear commitment from the interim government on reforms in engineering education and job quotas in public service recruitment.
4. Immediate release of detained students arrested during clashes with law enforcement.
5. Transparent investigation into reported incidents of police excesses during protests.
The protest movement, which began over concerns of education reform and job opportunities, has quickly grown into one of the most pressing challenges for the interim government. Observers note that the complete shutdown of engineering universities could have wide-reaching effects on higher education and the job market in Bangladesh.
