RU staff observe second day of full-day work abstention over ward quota
Demonstrators gathered in front of the university’s administrative building, where they demanded the immediate restoration of institutional benefits for the children of RU staff and employees
Staff and employees of Rajshahi University (RU) are observing a full-day work abstention for the second consecutive day, demanding the reinstatement of the ward quota.
The work boycott, which began at 9am yesterday (15 January), will continue until 4pm today (16 January).
Demonstrators gathered in front of the university's administrative building, where they demanded the immediate restoration of institutional benefits for the children of RU staff and employees.
Speaking about the demands, Muktar Hossain, acting president of the RU Officers' Association, said, "Essential services such as transportation, electricity, medical care, examinations, water, and security personnel have been exempted from the full-day work stoppage. However, all other staff and employees are participating in the protest."
"We are not advocating for a quota system; we are asking for institutional benefits for our children. Similar facilities are provided to staff in all government institutions across the country," he added.
Hossain further mentioned that the next course of action would be decided after discussions with members of the association following the conclusion of today's work stoppage.
The protest stems from the university administration's decision to abolish the dependants' quota for the children of staff members on 2 January amid student protests.
This decision has triggered widespread discontent among RU staff and employees, who previously held a human chain, a sit-in, and a one-day work stoppage as part of their movement.