BCL wants quota reforms, urges protesters to alleviate public sufferings 

Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) leaders on Thursday said that they also wanted reformation of quotas in government jobs and urged the quota protesters to return to their respective campuses to alleviate public sufferings on the streets.

They said quota reformation is a variable issue that changes with time in any country in the world.

"We support the protesters sentiment and demand. While general students who joined the quota reform movement left the protests following the Supreme Courts status quo on the High Court Divisions order reinstating quotas in government jobs, some protesters have been trying to prolong the movement.," said BCL President Saddam Hussain, speaking at a press conference at Madhur Canteen on the Dhaka University (DU) campus on Thursday.

Saddam, during the press conference, said, "Some are trying to use the movement politically and the Chhatra League is ready to face them."

He said there is no opponent in this matter -- Awami League leaders have said they would abide by the courts decision, and BCL are demanding that the quota system for government jobs be changed through a state initiative.

The protesters position is aligned with that of government lawyers, said Saddam, adding, "But some demonstrators are attempting to prolong the movement by holding general people hostage."

Reading out from a written statement, Saddam said there should be some quotas for those who are still unprivileged in the country, including women and minorities in Chattogram Hill Tracts.

BCL General Secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Enan conducted the press conference.

BCL DU unit President Mazharul Kabir Shoyon and General Secretary Tanbir Hasan Shaikat were present at the press conference, among others.

Thousands of students and job aspirants have been demonstrating across the country by blocking highways and railways and intersections in the capital since July 1, demanding a maximum of 5 per cent quotas in government jobs for children of freedom fighters and backward communities.