Police used batons and fired sound grenades at students from the Medical Assistant Training School (MATS) when they attempted to break through a barricade and march toward the Secretariat in support of their four-point demands.
The incident took place on Sunday (February 9) afternoon near the High Court area, where police chased and dispersed the students as they tried to advance.
According to reports, the students began their march from Shahbagh towards the Secretariat. When they reached the Education Building, police blocked their way, leading to clashes between both sides. In an effort to disperse the protesters, law enforcement resorted to baton charges and sound grenades.
Earlier in the day, around 11 am, approximately 300 students gathered at Shahbagh, disrupting traffic on the road connecting TSC and Shahbagh. Later, a five-member student delegation was escorted to the Secretariat by Tuhin Farabi, the personal officer of the Health Advisor, for discussions. However, the remaining students at Shahbagh attempted to push through the police barricade towards the Secretariat, triggering the confrontation.
The protesters claim that despite the Health Ministry's commitment, no visible action was taken within the promised seven working days, prompting them to escalate their movement.
MATS institutions include 16 government and 51 private training schools in the country. Students complete a three-year program to earn a Diploma in Medical Faculty, qualifying them to work as health assistants in various government and private healthcare facilities.
