Anti-quota protest: RU students block railway

Rajshahi University (RU) students blocked the rail tracks near the university’s Fine Arts department today (8 July) as part of the nationwide “Bangla Blockade” against the reinstatement of quotas in government jobs. 

The blockade has disrupted rail communication between Rajshahi and other parts of the country.

Earlier yesterday, the students gathered at Paris Road at the university campus around 3:30pm and staged a demonstration with four-point demands including the abolition of the quota system in government jobs, and the reinstatement of the 2018 circular.

They claimed to achieve their demands through peaceful activities, such as cultural programmes, rather than any form of anarchy or rash actions.

They reiterated their commitment to remaining on the streets until their goals are met.

The anti-quota protesters following a 4-hour blockade at Shahbagh intersection last evening (7 July) announced that they will continue the protest programme. 

Nahid Islam, one of the central coordinators of the movement, announced that they will continue the protests with one-point demand from today.

“Our one-point demand is that the illogical quotas in all grades of government jobs should be abolished through enacting a law in the parliament,” said the coordinator.

Regarding the next programme, Nahid Islam noted that the class and exam boycott will continue indefinitely until their demands are met.