Rajshahi University (RU) employees have called for the reinstatement of the ward quota, which was recently abolished by the university administration following student protests.
The demand was made during a human chain event held on Monday, on Paris Road near the university's Senate building.
The human chain was organized jointly by the University Officers' Association, Support Staff, General Staff, and Transport Staff Association.
Speakers at the event criticized the administration for removing institutional benefits for faculty and employees, and called for the immediate restoration of the ward quota. They vowed to continue their protests until their demands were met.
Rafiqul Islam, an employee from the law faculty, voiced his frustration, saying, "This administration has deprived us of our rightful entitlements. This is an institutional benefit; they cannot arbitrarily cancel it. The VC and Pro-VCs themselves benefited from this quota. We are not outsiders; this university is deeply connected to our families."
Monowar Hossain, deputy registrar of the university’s agricultural project, explained that the quota movement initiated in July sought rational reform, not complete abolition. He noted that quota systems exist in other universities, law enforcement agencies, and various sectors across the country.
Moktar Hossain, acting president of the Officers' Association, announced plans for a two-hour strike in front of the administrative building tomorrow, followed by a full-day strike on Wednesday. He stated, "We will continue our protest until our institutional benefits are restored."
Around 400 officers and employees participated in the protest.
The ward quota, which was introduced by former Vice-Chancellor Prof Abdul Bari, allowed children of RU’s faculty, officers, and staff to gain admission by passing only a competitive exam. Initially, the quota reserved 5% of seats for these children, but it was reduced to 4% last year due to student protests. Under pressure from the interim government after the 5 August mass uprising, it was further reduced to 3%.
Despite these reductions, protests continued, culminating in the locking of the administration building on Thursday by demonstrators. Over 200 officials, including two pro-vice-chancellors and the proctor, were locked inside for 12 hours. Vice-Chancellor Professor Saleh Hasan Naqib eventually met the protesters and announced the complete abolition of the ward quota.
