Quota reinstatement: BU students block Dhaka-Barisal highway

Hundreds of vehicles were stranded on both sides of the highway
Say quota is depriving general students of desired jobs

Students of Barisal University gather at the Dhaka-Barisal highway following the top court's ruling on the quota system on Thursday, July 4, 2024. Photo: Ahadul Karim Khan/Dhaka Tribune

UNB

Publish : 04 Jul 2024, 03:08 PMUpdate : 04 Jul 2024, 03:08 PM

Vehicular movement on the Dhaka-Barisal highway has been suspended since Thursday as Barisal University students put up barricades, demanding the cancellation of the freedom fighter quota system in government jobs.

Hundreds of vehicles were stranded on both sides of the highway, causing immense suffering for commuters.

Abdur Rahman Mukul, officer-in-charge of Barisal Port police station, reported that students began protesting near the university's main gate around 12:30pm.

They demanded the cancellation of all quotas in government jobs, except for those designated for people with disabilities and individuals from underdeveloped districts.

During the blockade, students voiced their concerns, declaring that no discrimination would be allowed through the quota system.

They emphasized the need for measures to ensure that people with disabilities and those from underdeveloped districts can avail the quota opportunity once, to prevent general students from being deprived of their desired jobs.