On February 3, 2026, police clashed with Sylhet Polytechnic Institute students protesting a proposed reform to quotas for government jobs in engineering.

The protest in Sylhet began around noon as students blocked major roads, claiming the quota discriminated against groups of engineering graduates who already faced limited job opportunities. After an army unit arrived and instructed the crowd to disperse, verbal arguments escalated into physical confrontations. As army and police personnel moved to clear the site, they engaged in several rounds of “chase and counter-chase” between law enforcement and demonstrators.

Protestors stated that at least 20 people, including both students and teachers, were injured during the clashes, with several requiring hospitalization for their injuries.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about the use of force during a student protest. While state authorities have the responsibility to maintain order and prevent disruption, they must refrain from the disproportionate use of force and endangerment of civilians and must respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. Students and members of the public must refrain from violence, especially on campus, and also respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. Such actions, beyond harming the immediate victims, have a chilling effect on academic freedom.

Sources:
https://unb.com.bd/category/Bangladesh/20-injured-in-clashes-between-law-enforcers-and-technical-students-in-sylhet/178771
https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/tejgaon-satrasta-intersection-paralysed-polytechnic-students-protest-recruitment-policy