Rajshahi University (RU) students blocked the Rajshahi-Dhaka highway for the second consecutive day demanding the reform of the quota system in first and second-class government jobs.
They blocked the highway near the main gate of the campus on Saturday at 11am.
Expressing solidarity with the general students, Sahabuddin Ahmed, a student from the Fisheries Department of the 2018-19 session and a child of a freedom fighter, joined the movement.
Sahabuddin Ahmed said: "I want the quota movement to be successful. Just as I am currently preparing for the BCS exam, so are other students. Now, if I want, I can use the quota system to get ahead of them in the job sector.
Quota reinstatement: MBSTU students block Dhaka-Tangail Highway“But I do not want them to fall behind because of me. So, in solidarity with them, I want the quota system to be reformed," he added.
Earlier, at 10am, the protesting students gathered on Paris Road after coming from various halls and nearby hostels of the university.
After gathering there, at 11am, they took their position on the Rajshahi to Dhaka highway near the main gate of the university.
During this time, the students chanted various slogans demanding the reform of the quota system.
Amanullah Khan, one of the organizers of the quota reform movement, presented four demands, said: "The 2018 notification must be upheld. A commission should be formed to logically reform the quota system in all jobs, and if quotas are not filled, they should be filled based on merit.
“A student should be able to use the quota once in their lifetime, and this can also be applied in university entrance exams. The quota should be reformed every 10 years based on surveys. This will create a merit-based, corruption-free, healthy, and beautiful society," he added.
The students ended their protest with a rally from the highway at 12:30pm, passing through the Kazla Gate of the university and returning to Paris Road on the campus.
At least 1,500 students from various departments of the university participated in the protest.
