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Published : 20 Sep 2025, 10:02 PM
Protests over the reinstatement of the “dependent quota” have triggered a tense standoff at Rajshahi University, coinciding with the ongoing campaign for the RUCSU elections.
On Saturday afternoon, a clash broke out between protesting students and faculty members at the Zubery Bhawan, resulting in several injuries.
Following the altercation, protesting students trapped key officials, including Professor Mohammad Main Uddin, the pro-vice-chancellor, Proctor Prof Mahbubur Rahman, and Registrar Iftekharul Alam Masud inside the building, continuing their protest.
Outside the building, nearly 2,000 students and activists, including members of Islami Chhatra Shibir, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, and other student organisations, gathered in solidarity, holding discussions inside the building.
Meanwhile, faculty and staff members campaigning for the quota met with the vice-chancellor to discuss the issue at his residence.
The protests were triggered by the university administration’s decision to reintroduce the dependent quota for the 2024-25 Academic Year. Nine students began a hunger strike in front of the administration building on Friday afternoon, which went on into the night.
On Sept 17, a faction of faculty, staff, and employees warned that they would begin a full-day strike on Sept 21 if the dependent quota was not reinstated. In response, the admission committee approved the reintroduction of the quota on Thursday evening.
That evening, students gathered outside the VC’s residence to protest the decision, continuing the movement.
Abu Raihan Johnny, a student from the Department of Fine Arts, expressed concern about the situation, saying: “This conflict has been brought to the forefront over an already resolved issue.
“The only reason for this situation is the disruption of the RUCSU elections. We are worried whether the election will even take place after today’s incident. Students are aware of who is behind this.”
Abu Yakub, a student from the law department, said: “On one hand, there’s RUCSU, and on the other, the administration. The VC will not be able to please both sides. If the quota is cancelled, staff will go on strike, and if it remains, students will protest. The VC might even have to resign.”
Fardin, a student from the Department of Management, added: “The root cause of all this is the RUCSU. I believe the authorities do not want the election to take place, as it will transfer power to the students.”
Kaiser Ahmed, another student from the law department, said: “The dependent quota is an illogical issue. Teachers, staff, and officials receive a fixed monthly salary, so how does enrolling their children under this quota provide institutional benefits?
“Institutional advantages should go to children of working-class farmers, not staff members. This incident is nothing more than an attempt to sabotage RUCSU elections.”
Previously, on Jan 2, under pressure from student protests, the VC decided to permanently abolish the dependent quota.
However, starting from Aug 13, a faction of faculty, staff, and employees began a strike, demanding the reinstatement of the dependent quota, along with eight other demands.
A full-day strike was scheduled from Aug 24-26, which was suspended after assurances from the administration on Aug 24.
