STAFF CORRESPONDENT

Police yesterday charged batons and used water cannons to disperse protesting candidates who were demonstrating against a High Court verdict that cancelled their appointments as assistant teachers in government primary schools.

The law enforcers took action around 3:00pm when the protesters gathered near the chief adviser’s residence, Jamuna.

Witnesses said the demonstrators first assembled in front of the Jatiya Press Club before marching towards Jamuna, demanding the cancellation of the HC verdict and the announcement of their joining date.

As they reached near Kakrail Mosque, police intercepted them. However, the protesters broke through several barricades and advanced towards Jamuna.

At that point, police used batons and water cannons to disperse them, our staff photographer reported from the scene.

Protesters claimed several of their colleagues were injured in the police action.

“We qualified through exams. Why are we being denied our jobs? Why are the police beating us?” asked Taslima Begum, one of the demonstrators.

The protesters argued that all recruitment procedures had been completed and that the only step remaining was their joining.

“Our appointments were cancelled before we even received our joining letters. The verdict

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