Police have fired water cannons and sound grenades at protesters demanding an announcement to issue certificates to all candidates who participated in the oral examination (Viva) for the 18th teacher registration.
They were dispersed by hurling water cannons and sound grenades at them in front of the National Press Club at around 11:30 am on Sunday.
Earlier, they were stopped by police when they were about to move out of the Press Club at 11:00 am. At that time, the police repeatedly asked them to move away, but the protesters continued to shout slogans.
The protesters alleged that about 23,000 candidates deprived of Viva were victims of discrimination. Many failed despite answering all the questions correctly. At that time, they also alleged that there were allies of the previous fascist government within the Non-Governmental Teachers Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA).
ADC of Ramna Zone of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Jisanul Haque told the media, “The protesters stood in front of the Press Club at around 10:30 am. They blocked the road for about an hour. This led to a huge traffic jam.’
He further said, ‘To control the situation, the police fired water cannons and sound grenades to disperse the protesters. However, there was no baton charge or beating. After this incident, the protesters dispersed. The traffic jam situation came under control.’
