Students of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), joined by peers from several private engineering universities, blocked the capital’s Shahbagh intersection on Tuesday to protest a death threat against a BUET graduate and to press a three-point demand.

The blockade began around 3pm and brought traffic to a standstill, continuing until at least 8:30pm under the banner “Blockade of Engineers.” The demonstrators warned of tougher programmes if their demands are not addressed.

The protest was triggered by an incident in Rangpur on Monday, where diploma engineers at the Northern Electricity Supply Company (NESCO) office allegedly threatened to kill BUET graduate Rokonuuzzaman Rokon. 

A case was filed, but students alleged no action had been taken against those involved.

The students demanded that only BSc degree holders be eligible for ninth-grade engineering posts, including assistant engineer, through competitive examinations, with no promotions allowed through quotas or alternative titles.

They also called for recruitment tests for technical 10th-grade or sub-assistant engineer posts to be open to both diploma and BSc holders.

In addition, they urged legal steps against those using the title of “engineer” without a BSc degree and demanded that non-accredited BSc courses be brought under the accreditation of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) and the Bangladesh Technical Education Board (BTEB).