Students in Russia Demonstrate Against the Reinstatement of the 'Dependent Admission Quota'
Rajshahi University students have been protesting against the conditional approval of the restoration of the dependent quota for the 2024-25 academic year. The protest began on September 18, with students gathering in front of the vice chancellor's residence.
The protest was initiated against the reinstatement of the "dependent quota" for children of teachers, officials, and employees. The students have declared that they will not accept the return of the abolished quota and have vowed to continue their movement until the quota is revoked.
The protesters are particularly concerned about the restrictions placed on the quota. Under the decision, only up to two students per department who score at least 40 (the pass mark) will qualify for admission under the quota.
The protest has gained momentum, with leaders and activists from student groups Chhatra Dal and Chhatra Shibir joining the demonstration to express their solidarity. On Saturday evening, September 19, various student organizations and staff unions at Rajshahi University participated in the protest, showing their support.
The protest program includes a demonstration after Friday prayers from the university's central Jame Masjid. Despite the withdrawal of the sit-in program for the night at around 11:30pm, the students have announced a new protest program for tomorrow.
The dependent quota was previously scrapped on January 2 this year. The university's admission committee has now conditionally approved its restoration for the upcoming academic year. It remains to be seen how this development will impact the ongoing student protests.
