Students from Bangladesh's engineering universities have stepped up their protests with a complete shutdown from 28 August, but uncertainty looms over how long the movement will continue.
Leaders say the next steps will be decided collectively.
Meanwhile, reliable sources indicate that they are quietly mobilising support from other institutions.
The government has formed a 14-member working group to review the demands of BSc and diploma holders.
In addition, an eight-member committee has been formed. However, BSc engineering students have rejected this, claiming that the committee does not represent them.
On Thursday night, Mohammad Lazim Al Muttakin, a BUET student and central representative of the protests, told Stream, "We want the committee to be restructured with university faculty representatives and other stakeholders included, and for the initial three-point demand to be accepted and a government circular issued at the earliest."
The protests have been fuelled by what BSc holders say is frustration over "discrimination in government jobs", where diploma holders are recruited directly into ninth-grade posts and benefit from quota promotions.
Students also object to the misuse of the title "engineer" by diploma holders.
They demand clear government steps to protect the rights and recognition of BSc graduates, insisting the title be reserved for four-year BSC degree holders only.
A clash by police during protests on Tuesday has only stoked the flames.
Coordination and future plans
Student leader Lazim Al Muttakin said they will convene at the Institute of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) in Dhaka, where a central committee with representatives from all universities is being formed to coordinate the movement.
He indicated the protests could grow, with plans for divisional and national gatherings to press their demands.
While no programme is set for Shahbagh on Friday, students will hold an organisational meeting to finalise future actions.
Asif Hossain, a BUET student, said, "We were peacefully heading towards the police headquarters, but we were blocked on the way. Until justice is served for the attack on our fellow students, we will continue our movement."
Another student, Nasrin Akter, said, "We do not want to create any chaos. We only want a safe campus, fair rights for students, and proper justice for the police attack."
Government response and students' stand
After nearly five months of protests uniting engineering students nationwide, the protestors have informed the home and education advisers that the movement will continue until their demands are met.
"We want the movement to remain completely politically neutral. Our only goal is the implementation of our demands, while ensuring safety and a peaceful environment. A larger programme will be announced after monitoring the situation," said Lazim Al Muttakin.
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