Quota protest: Blockade brings nation to a standstill

Students are observing a 'Bangla Blockade' across the country on Wednesday, demanding the reinstatement of the 2018 gazette notification scrapping the quota system in the first and second class government jobs.

In Dhaka, they blocked roads in Shahbagh, Gulistan, Paltan, Agargaon, Mohakhali, Banani, and Badda, bringing vehicular movement in the areas to a standstill and causing immense sufferings to people.

Besides, the students opposing quota in government jobs blocked the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway in Cumilla, took to the streets at Natun Rasta in Khulna, and put blockade on railway tracks in the city.

Similarly, students from Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) in Mymensingh barricaded railway tracks, halting the Dewanganj-bound 'Teesta Express' from Dhaka at Jabbarer Mor, suspending train services.

The protesters announced on Tuesday that they will observe the 'Bangla Blockade' from 10 am to evening today. The blockade has disrupted traffic and railways across Dhaka and other parts of the country, causing significant public suffering.

Students of Dhaka University and other universities have been protesting for several days against the High Court's order reinstating quotas in government jobs.

The quota system, which reserved 56 percent of positions in government jobs for various quotas, was abolished in 2018. This decision was challenged in 2021 by descendants of freedom fighters, resulting in a High Court ruling on June 5, 2024, declaring the abolition of the freedom fighters' quota illegal.

NH/MSU