Medical students block Shahbagh demanding uninterrupted academic year

A section of students of general medical and dental colleges have blocked the Shahbagh intersection in the capital since 11:20 am to 1:30 pm on Sunday demanding a session jam free academic year amid coronavirus pandemic.

The demands of the protesting students include- alternatives for prof tests, instruction to start online classes to eliminate session clutter without delay, and to consider the health risks of medical students on a priority basis in all examinations and class orders.

In line with their demands, the students also condemned the bond-signing process announced by the authorities.

A protesting student of a government medical college told The Business Standard seeking anonymity, "We are opposing the bond that we are being asked to sign before appearing for the test. According to this bond, those who will be affected by Covid-19 will no longer be able to sit for the next exams facing year gaps."

The student also said that no student is willing to sit in for the announced prof test due to severe health risks.

"We will not be paying any additional charges to the medical colleges aside from the course fees as well," the student added.

Another second-year BDS student told The Business Standard that the protesting students are concerned about the session jam and hence want the authorities to start the classes for the next year online.

The student also said that both public and private medical college students are involved in this movement and have their programme scheduled for tomorrow as well.