Quota reformists demand gazette

Quota reformists demanded on Tuesday the announcement of a gazette notification on quota reform as soon as possible.

Hundreds of students under the banner of Bangladesh General Students' Rights Protection Council marched on Dhaka University to press for a three-point demand.

Their other demands were the immediate release of the activists who were detained earlier, and punishment of those who attacked quota reformists.

On the other hand, some students under the BCL-backed 'general students' banner took out a procession hailing a move to 'abolish' quota system in first and second-class government jobs.

Both the groups made the march on the campus around 12 noon, said the participants of the processions.

Quota reformists organised the programme in accordance their previous announcement to stage protests at colleges and universities across the country.

They vowed to continue their movement unless the demands were not met.

Hasan Al Mamun, convener of the council, told the FE that they welcomed Monday's recommendation of scraping quota in first and second class government jobs.

"At the same time," he said, "we demand reform of the remaining grades in government jobs."

Mr Mamun demanded the immediate publication of gazette notification.

He alleged that the pro-Awami League student body, BCL, brought out a counter-procession only to create panic.

"We've written to the DU authorities seeking safety of the students following today's programme," he said.

DU unit BCL president and general secretary could not be reached over phone for comments.

Earlier on Monday, a high-powered committee recommended abolishing the quota system for class-I and class-II jobs in civil service following months of protests.

The general students have been on the streets since February this year demanding quota reform.

[email protected]