RU Correspondent:
Students formed a human chain today in front of Rajshahi University’s central library, demanding the cancellation of the 30 percent freedom fighter quota system in government jobs.
The protest was sparked by a recent High Court verdict that invalidated a 2018 notification, effectively reinstating the quota system for first and second-class government jobs. The students argue that this decision perpetuates inequality and discrimination.
Amanullah Aman, member secretary of the RUCSU Andolan Mancha, expressed the group’s determination, stating, “We were supposed to stay in the library’s reading room today, but circumstances forced us into the streets. If our demands are not met, we will escalate our protest to the main gate of the university. We will persist until the quota reinstatement verdict is overturned.”
Mehdi Sajeev, President of the Students’ Rights Council, emphasized the principles of equality and justice that underpinned the Liberation War. He lamented that, 53 years after independence, students are still subject to discrimination through quotas. “In 2018, our movement led to the prime minister declaring the abolition of quotas. Now, a small group has successfully appealed to reinstate the system. We strongly oppose the High Court’s decision.”
Naim, a student of Information Science and Library Management, voiced his solidarity, stating, “If the quota restoration is not reversed, none of the 39,000 students at Rajshahi University will remain passive. We have reawakened, just like in 2018. Prime Minister, I urge you to avoid decisions that will be rejected by students nationwide. If freedom fighters are to be honored, it should be through substantial financial and residential benefits, not job quotas.”
Sanjida, a law student, criticized the quota despite benefiting from it as a woman. “I believe in securing a first-class job based on my skills and talent, and I think every girl in Bangladesh has this ability. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina became the Prime Minister through her merit, not quotas. Currently, 56% of jobs are reserved through various quotas, leaving only 44% for meritorious students, a remnant of discriminatory policies from the West Pakistani era.”
Smriti, another student, condemned the High Court’s decision as tyrannical. “This judgment is akin to the old feudal practice where a king’s son becomes a king, and a farmer’s son remains a farmer. We seek fair opportunities and rights. We reject the quota system, which denies us the chance to secure jobs based on our talent.”
Hundreds of students participated in the protest, demonstrating strong opposition to the quota system and calling for its cancellation.
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