Dhaka University students gathered at Shahbagh intersection after the Supreme Court’s Appellate Division upheld a High Court ruling reinstating quotas for government jobs. Following a six-hour blockade, they announced a boycott of classes and exams.
Nahid Islam, a sociology student and protest representative, stated that on Friday, campaigns will be conducted nationwide, both online and offline, based on their four-point demand. A protest march is scheduled for Saturday at 3 pm, with all university students boycotting classes and exams the following day.
Hasnat Abdullah, an English department student, remarked, “This is a war against the oligarchy. In this system, a farmer’s son remains a farmer, a laborer’s son remains a laborer. Our ancestors taught us to fight against lifelong exploitation.”
Despite the government’s abolition of the quota system, universities, teachers, and the government still support quotas. Abdullah emphasized the unfairness of quotas, stating, “We want to clear exams on merit alone. We will take the same tests and face the same challenges, but those with quota advantages will receive extra benefits. It feels like our birth determines our fate.”
Nahid Islam criticized the lack of coordination within the state apparatus, pointing out that the executive branch abolished the quota system in 2018, only for it to be restored by the judiciary. He affirmed that students have no role in the internal conflicts of the state machinery but will continue to push for their demands.
The students have not been contacted by the executive or higher levels of the government and have not received any reassurances. Following the top court’s decision, Chhatra League members reportedly prevented students from joining protests against the quota reinstatement, locking halls and guarding entrances with motorcycles.
Earlier, Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan’s appellate bench upheld the chamber court’s decision on the freedom fighter quota, maintaining the High Court’s verdict. The High Court had declared illegal the circular that cancelled quotas, ensuring the 30% quota for freedom fighters in government jobs remains in place.
In October 2018, the Ministry of Public Administration issued a circular to abolish the quota system for first and second-class government jobs, following a prolonged student movement demanding reform. This decision was based on the quota review committee’s recommendations and was approved during a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
