A total of 14,384 candidates recommended for assistant teacher posts at government primary schools began a continuing programme in Shahbagh on August 2, demanding appointment and posting within August. They gathered in front of Dhaka University’s Central Library from the morning, then continued outside the National Museum in Shahbagh from about 11:30am despite rain. The government says they will join in October rather than August.

The candidates carried placards calling for appointment letters, swift recruitment and access to classrooms. In a notice issued Saturday evening, they demanded that joining and posting be ensured within August under recruitment rules, with a written government notification specifying the date published on the official website. They said they would not rely on verbal assurances or media statements and would continue their movement until their demands were met.

The final results were published on February 8, selecting 14,384 candidates. Candidates have held several Shahbagh sit-ins since April over delayed joining, with earlier incidents of scuffling with police. A notice from the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education’s School-2 branch said candidates would join district primary education offices on October 1, receive appointment letters in due course, and then be posted and sent for training.