Protesters clashed with police in Shahbagh on Tuesday demanding the postponement of the 47th BCS written exam. Police stopped them as they were marching towards the official residence of the chief advisor in the afternoon. The situation then escalated—at least five candidates were injured in water cannons, sound grenades, and lathicharge.
Among the injured, Shakil Ahmed, Ashikur Rahman, Shahinur, Abrar Shahriar Ullas and Riaz are being treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Doctors said Shahinur suffered a stick injury to his head.
Inspector Farooq, in-charge of the DMCH police camp, said that they were brought to the hospital in their injured condition in the evening. The protesters alleged that while six months to a year were given for preparation in the previous BCS exams, this time only 50 days of preparation time has been set, which they claim is ‘unfair’ and ‘unrealistic’.
Amidst the tension throughout the day, a section of the protesters demanded the resignation of the PSC chairman, arguing that the candidates were discriminated against by being given very little time.