Rajshahi, Nov 04 (V7N) — Students from the Institute of Health Technology (IHT) and other institutions protested by blocking the Rajshahi-Chapainawabganj highway, demanding urgent reforms in the medical technology and pharmacy sector. The demonstration began around 11 am at the Daspukur, City Bypass intersection, where students gathered under the banner of the Anti-Discrimination Medical Technology and Pharmacy Chhatra Sangram Parishad.

The protest, marked by symbolic red and green flags on the road, included chanting and displaying symbolic corpses to emphasize the gravity of their demands. The roadblock led to severe traffic congestion, with vehicles rerouting to inner streets to bypass the blocked highway.

Saddam Hossain, the convener of the Chhatra Sangram Parishad, expressed frustration over the lack of response to their demands, which they claim have been ignored for a long time. He emphasized that they are ready to escalate the movement if their six demands are not addressed by the government.

The six-point demands include:

1. Formation of an Independent Directorate – to streamline oversight in the sector.
2. Recognition of Diploma Holders at the 10th Grade (2nd Class Rank) – ensuring proportional employment as per WHO standards and accelerating recruitment.
3. Revival of the 2013 Recruitment Process – and introducing a 9th-grade rank for graduate medical technologists and pharmacists.
4. Conversion of Dhaka IHT to a University – with career plans for technologists and pharmacists, and revising recruitment rules and grades.
5. Establishment of a Medical Technology Council and Education Board – along with private sector service policies.
6. Introduction of B.Sc. and M.Sc. Courses in Medical Technology– including fellowships and training allowances for students.

The protesters warned of a larger, nationwide movement if their demands are not met, calling for immediate government action.

END/RA/AJ