RAJSHAHI, Sept 20 Rajshahi University (RU) erupted in turmoil over the administration's decision to reinstate the 'spouse quota', reserving seats for children of teachers, officers, and employees under ten conditions. Student protests escalated into clashes with officials and a hunger strike that has drawn widespread attention.
The unrest intensified Saturday afternoon when Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Prof. Mohammad Main Uddin, Proctor Prof. Mahbubur Rahman, and other officials tried to enter Juberi Building. Former anti-quota movement coordinator Salauddin Ammar and protesting students blocked their path. A heated exchange soon turned into pushing and shoving.
Officials eventually moved upstairs, but students surrounded the staircases and balconies by 530 pm, effectively confining the Vice-Chancellor while chanting slogans. The conflict followed Thursday's admission subcommittee decision, chaired by acting VC Prof. Main Uddin, to reinstate the quota system for staff children in first-year admissions, sparking immediate protests.
Witnesses said students stopped the VC's car outside the administration building around 3 pm, placing coins on the engine in a symbolic protest, calling it "begging money." The VC was trapped in the car for 20 minutes until students seized the keys. Forced to walk toward his residence, the VC, Proctor, and officials were blocked by students, who locked the residence gate, confining them further.
Proctor Mahbubur Rahman said, "Students blocked our car and stopped us from going home. I tried to reach Juberi Building to discuss, but students physically obstructed us. There was pushing; my wristwatch and Tk 10,000 went missing. The VC is now surrounded on the balcony of Juberi Building."
Pro-VC Prof. Main Uddin told journalists, "No matter how long I am kept without food or barred from my home, I do not have the authority to provide a one-man solution. This must be resolved in the body meeting. I do not know why I was confined."
Former coordinator Salauddin Ammar posted on Facebook, "After July, the beatings have started again. RU administration laid hands on us. I won't file complaints. The only demand is cancellation of the pet quota decision. Rabians must rise again for justice. Another revolution must happen on this campus. We will not allow the pet quota under any disguise."
Student protester Sanjida (Social Work Department) said, "We score 60-65 marks and still fail to get admission, but staff children enter with only pass marks. This is unjust."
Separately, several students began a hunger strike in front of the administrative building at Joha Square Friday afternoon. Despite heavy rain and mosquito bites, the strike has continued for more than 23 hours. Two students-Isphahani (Social Work) and Ramzanul Mobarak (Arabic, Master's)-fell ill and were admitted to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital.
Initially, Asadul Islam (Sanskrit Department) started the strike alone, later joined by others. Hunger striker Sajibur Rahman said, "Since last night, we are burning in the sun, drenched in rain, bitten by mosquitoes. No one has checked on us. We will continue until our demand is met."
RU Student Adviser Amirul Islam Konok visited the site at noon "I have seen the students' suffering firsthand. Some have fallen sick, and treatment has been arranged. I have also spoken with them directly."
The protests and hunger strike reflect deep student anger over perceived inequities in the admission process and the contentious reinstatement of the staff quota.
