RU employees demand reinstatement of ward quota
They vowed to continue their protest until their demands were met
Rajshahi University (RU) officials and employees have demanded the reinstatement of the ward quota, which was recently abolished by the university administration in the face of student protests.
The university employees made the demand during a human chain programme held today (6 January) on Paris Road adjacent to the university's Senate building.
The programme was jointly organised by the University Officers Association, Support Staff, General Staff, and Transport Staff Association.
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Speakers at the human chain criticised the administration for cancelling institutional benefits for teachers and employees.
They emphasised the need for immediate reinstatement of the ward quota, vowing to continue their protest until their demands were met.
Rafiqul Islam, an employee of the law faculty, expressed frustration, stating, "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, clarified that the quota movement in July aimed for rational reform, not its complete abolition.
Read More: RU students lock down administrative building demanding ward quota cancellation
He pointed out that quota systems exist in various universities, law enforcement agencies, and other sectors across the country.
Moktar Hossain, acting president of the Officers' Association, announced that they will hold a two-hour strike in front of the administrative building tomorrow, followed by a day-long strike on Wednesday.
He said, "We will continue our protest until our institutional benefits are restored."
Around 400 officers and employees participated in today's programme.
The ward quota, introduced by former vice-chancellor Prof Abdul Bari, allowed children of RU's faculty, officers and staff to gain admission by merely passing the competitive admission exam.
The quota initially reserved 5% of seats for these children. However, it was reduced to 4% last year under pressure from students.
After the interim government assumed office following the 5 August mass uprising, it was further reduced to 3%.
Despite these reductions, protests continued, culminating in the demonstrators locking the administration building on Thursday.
Over 200 university officials and employees, including two pro-vice-chancellors and the proctor, were locked in for 12 hours.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Saleh Hasan Naqib eventually met the protesters and announced the complete abolition of the ward quota.
