Students from the Medical Assistants Training School (MATS) staged a protest on Wednesday, January 22, blocking the Shahbagh intersection in Dhaka. The protest caused traffic to come to a standstill in all directions of the busy intersection.

The demonstration began around 1 PM as the students occupied Shahbagh, voicing their demands for reforms in employment and education policies. According to Ramna Division Deputy Commissioner of Police Masud Alam, the blockade disrupted vehicular movement on surrounding roads, creating significant inconvenience for commuters.

The protesting students have outlined four main demands. These include the immediate filling of vacant positions in the 10th grade of the government service structure, the creation of new employment opportunities in both public and private sectors, and retaining the four-year academic course with necessary revisions to the curriculum. Additionally, they seek paid internships and the cancellation of the proposed Allied Health Professional Board in favor of establishing the "Medical Education Board of Bangladesh." They also demand higher education opportunities in clinical subjects that meet international standards and are recognized by the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BM&DC).

The protest highlights frustrations over employment uncertainty and inadequate academic and professional development opportunities for MATS students. Despite attempts to ensure their voices are heard, the blockade caused significant traffic disruptions in one of Dhaka's busiest areas, impacting daily activities for many residents.