DU students take to streets protesting against quota reinstatement

The Dhaka University (DU) students took to the streets on Wednesday evening protesting against the High Court verdict that reinstated the 30 percent freedom fighter quota in the first and second class government jobs.

They gathered in front of DU central mosque around 7:30 pm and staged demonstrations.

At that time, they chanted slogans 'Won't accept quota system', 'Won't accept High Court verdict', 'Cancel quota, it must be done,' etc.

Also Read: 30% freedom fighters quota reinstated in govt jobs

Later, more than 400 students brought a procession that paraded Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU), the Arts Faculty building, and Raju Memorial Sculpture.

Nahid Hasan, a student of the Sociology Department, said, "We protested against the quota system in 2018 and amid the movement, the government abolished it. Today the High Court reinstated the quota and we strongly condemn it. We reject the verdict of the High Court."

The protesting students announced to hold a rally at Raju Memorial Sculpture at 5 pm on Thursday.

They vowed if the verdict is upheld, they will be bound to take to the street.

The High Court today declared illegal the gazette notification issued on October 4, 2018, that scrapped the freedom fighter quota in the first and second class government jobs.

The bench of Justice KM Kamrul Kader and Justice Khizir Hayat delivered the verdict on Wednesday after announcing the rule issued on December 6, 2021, absolute. In the rule, the HC had asked the authorities concerned to explain why the gazette should not be declared illegal.

As a result, the 30 percent freedom fighter quota in the first and second class government jobs will be maintained, prosecution lawyer Deputy Attorney General Sheikh Mohammad (SK) Saifuzzaman told Jago News.

He also said they will appeal against the verdict.

On October 4, 2018, the government issued a gazette notification abolishing the 10 percent women, 40 percent freedom fighter, and 10 percent district quotas in public service.

MHA/MSU