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JU in turmoil over ward quota issue

Published : Tuesday, 4 February, 2025 at 5:33 PM  Count : 391

Jahangirnagar University (JU) has become a battleground of protests as two opposing groups—the university staff and the students—are staging protests with contradictory demands over "Ward Quota (Quota for employees' children)". 

The university's Officer-Employee Unity Council has called for an indefinite strike starting Wednesday (February 5), demanding full reinstatement of the previous quota system. On the other hand, students have occupied the administrative building, demanding the complete abolition of the quota.  

The conflict escalated on Tuesday (February 4) when university staff staged a sit-in protest in front of the new administrative building at 11:45 AM. Shortly after, at 1:45 PM, students took out a procession from Bottala, marching through various halls and the central library before gathering in front of the administrative building.  

As of 3:15 PM, students were still protesting, chanting slogans against the quota system.  

Student protesters argue that quota-based admissions are unfair and should be completely abolished.  One protester stated, "There was already a mass uprising in the country against quota discrimination. How can an irrational quota like this still exist in a university? The administration only made minor reforms instead of eliminating it. Now, university staff are protesting to restore it—this is unacceptable. We demand total abolition."  

In response, the Officer-Employee Unity Council has announced an indefinite work stoppage starting February 5.  

A statement signed by the President of Officer Association and Coordinator, Officer-Employee Unity Council Md. Abdur Rahman Babul; the President of Employee Association and Secretary, Unity Council MD Rafiqul Islam Bakshi; and four other leaders, confirmed the information.

The statement declares: "We demand the removal of all restrictions placed on the quota and its full reinstatement. From February 5, we will observe an indefinite strike, with only emergency services remaining operational. If necessary, even emergency services may be suspended to strengthen the movement."  

Speaking on the matter, JU Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education), Professor Dr. Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman, said, "We have already reformed the Posho Quota system and formed a committee to review it further. All parties—students, teachers, officers, and staff—have valid concerns. We urge everyone to engage in discussions to find a fair resolution."  

On Monday (February 3), the university administration introduced several modifications to the Posho Quota, including:  
- A maximum of 40 admissions per academic year across all departments.  
- Pass mark set at 40% (32 out of 80)—applicable to all candidates, including children of farmers and laborers.  - Restrictions on eligibility: Previously, spouses, siblings, biological and adopted children were eligible. Now, only biological children qualify. 
- Employees can only use the quota once during their entire service period. If they have multiple children, only one can benefit. 
- A child cannot be admitted to the same department where their parent works.  

With both sides unwilling to back down, the university faces a potential administrative shutdown due to the staff strike, while students also continue their protests. If a compromise is not reached soon, the situation may further escalate, affecting academic activities and campus operations.


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