Protesters denounce restoration of dependent quota at Rajshahi University

Students of Rajshahi University have staged protests against the restoration of the dependent quota for first-year admissions.

They demonstrated at the Zoha Chattar on Friday afternoon, condemning the decision of the university administration. Earlier, the students brought out a procession from the central mosque.

Leaders and activists from different student organisations also joined the protest.

The procession reverberated with slogans such as “If you need alms, take alms, bury the dependent quota”, “Quota or merit, merit, merit”, and “Let the spirit of ’24 roar once more”.

Salahuddin Ammar, general secretary candidate from the Adhipotto Birodhi Oikya panel in the Rajshahi University Central Students' Union (RUCSU) election, said: “The July Uprising was organised against the irrational dependent quota. Six months after the Uprising, we abolished it. But the administration has brought it back at Rajshahi University.

“We strongly condemn and protest this, and demand the quota be cancelled again.”

Independent assistant general secretary candidate Sajibur Rahman said: “After 35 years, the atmosphere created around the RUCSU election has been derailed by this decision. The administration has shown spinelessness, and we as students are disheartened.

“Through [Friday’s] programme, we want to make it clear that the dependent quota will never return to Rajshahi University.”

On Sept 17, a section of teachers, officials, and employees warned of a full-day work stoppage from Sept 21 if the dependent quota was not restored.

In response, the admission committee on Thursday afternoon approved the decision to reinstate the quota for children of teachers, officials, and employees under conditions for the 2024-25 academic year.

That evening, students staged a sit-in outside the vice-chancellor’s residence in protest.

Earlier on Jan 2, facing a student movement, the vice-chancellor had announced the permanent abolition of the quota.

But from Aug 13, a group of teachers, officials, and employees began a work stoppage and sit-in strike with an eight-point demand including the restoration of the dependent quota.