RU employees boycott work for 2 days demanding reinstatement of ward quota
Officials and employees of Rajshahi University (RU) are observing a two-day work abstention, demanding the reinstatement of the ward quota system.
The strike began at 9am this morning (15 January) and will continue until 4pm tomorrow (16 January).
The officials and employees have gathered in front of the university's administrative building as part of the protest.
Acting President of the Rajshahi University Officers' Association, Moktar Hossain, stated that employees of essential service sections such as transportation, electricity, healthcare, examinations, water supply, and security personnel are excluded from the work abstention.
However, all other officers and employees are fully participating in the strike.
"We are against the term 'quota' itself. We demand institutional facilities for our children, as similar provisions are offered in all government institutions in the country," he said.
"Today and tomorrow, we are observing a full-day work stoppage. All officers, employees, and their supporting organisations are united in this protest. Afterwards, we will hold a meeting with representatives of all organisations to announce our next course of action," Moktar Hossain further said.
On 2 January, the university administration was forced to abolish the ward quota for teachers, officers, and employees following student protests. This decision has sparked widespread dissatisfaction among the teachers, officers, and employees.