RU students protest reinstatement of Ward quota

Students of Rajshahi University (RU) staged demonstrations on Friday protesting the reinstatement of the Ward quota facility for the children of the university's teachers, officials and employees for admission to undergraduate courses.

Soon after the Juma prayers, the protesters gathered in front of the central mosque and brought out a procession that ended with a brief rally at Zoha Chattar.

The students alleged that the reinstatement of the quota was pushed by teachers, officials, and employees to serve personal benefits ahead of the September 25 Rajshahi University Central Students Union (RUCSU) election, ignoring the interests of the university.

Mujahid Islam, candidate for media and publication secretary from the Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed Sammilito Shikkharthi Jote panel, said a vested quarter was trying to derail the election by reviving the quota issue at the last moment. "They are conspiring to sabotage RUCSU. We strongly condemn and protest this," he said.

Another student remarked that the vice chancellor had already abolished the quota earlier, but the administration suddenly reinstated it just before the vacation (Durga Puja).

"Students will never accept this unjust move. In post-revolution RU administration, nothing unethical or irrational will be tolerated," he warned.

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