Students urge president for emergency JS session to address 'quota discrimination'

Anti-quota protesters submitted a memorandum to the president today, urging him to convene an emergency session of parliament within the next 24 hours to address "quota discrimination" with new laws or executive orders.

They also warned of intensified agitation if the case against "unidentified" students is not withdrawn within the same timeframe.

"If we don't see action on this matter, we will announce more stringent programmes," said Nahid Islam, one of the movement's coordinators, at a press conference following the memorandum submission.

At noon today, thousands of students from various Dhaka educational institutions began marching from the Dhaka University central library to Bangabhaban.

Subsequently, the coordinators of the movement entered Bangabhaban under police escort at around 2.40pm and delivered the memorandum to the president's military secretary. They left Bangabhaban at 3pm.

At the time, the procession of the agitating students held a small rally at the intersection near Mawlana Bhashani National Hockey Stadium.

Sarjis Alam, one of the coordinators, said in a press conference, "The military secretary of the president has assured that the memorandum would be promptly sent to the president."

"In the memorandum, we have requested that the parliament pass a bill establishing a maximum quota of 5% across all grades for disadvantaged communities in government employment, in accordance with the constitution," he added.

At the press conference, Nahid Islam said the case lodged against the protesters with the Shahbagh Police Station should be withdrawn within 24 hours. "We are extending it for an additional 24 hours. Our programme will be harsher if the case is not withdrawn in between."

The case was filed on Friday by Khalilur Rahman, a driver from the transport department of Rajarbagh Police Lines, against "unidentified" students on allegation of vandalising police vehicles.

Earlier, students from various institutions staged a procession and assembled in front of the Dhaka University library at 11 am.

As they marched towards Bangabhaban, they broke through police barricades at intersections including Shahbagh, Shiksha Bhawan, Secretariat, and Gulistan in the capital.

To maintain law and order, one hundred riot police officers and several water cannon vehicles were stationed.

Meanwhile, college and university students in various district cities across the country participated in mass marches and submitted memorandum to deputy commissioners, demanding quota reforms. This programme took place in districts such as Rajshahi, Chattogram, Cumilla, Barishal, Rangpur, Sylhet, Khulna, Mymensingh, Sunamganj, Satkhira, Narsingdi, Feni, and Gaibandha.

3 demands of Indigenous Quota Conservation Assoc

The Indigenous Quota Preservation Association held a press conference today at Madhur Canteen, Dhaka University, demanding a 5% quota for indigenous communities in government jobs.

They also urged the government to identify backward communities within indigenous groups and ensure quality education in areas inhabited by indigenous communities.

Alik Mri, the convener of the organisation, highlighted that only 157 individuals from indigenous communities were recommended in the 34th, 35th, 36th, 37th, 38th, and 39th (special) BCS examinations before the quota system was abolished. Since the removal of the quota in 2018, their representation in government jobs has significantly decreased.

According to the Public Service Commission, Alik Mri noted that 92 individuals from the indigenous community passed the 40th, 41st, and 43rd BCS exams, but only four were recommended.

"If this trend continues, they will have no role in shaping an inclusive Bangladesh and will face increasing marginalisation," he added.

Alik Mri announced that the organisation will hold a rally and march at 4pm on July 16 in front of the Raju sculpture at Dhaka University to emphasise their demands.

Chhatra League's 'door to door' campaign

On Saturday night, the Chhatra League conducted a "door-to-door" campaign in residential halls across various universities and colleges nationwide, distributing leaflets calling for a "logical and inclusive solution to the quota issue in government jobs".

Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain, General Secretary Sheikh Wali Inan, Dhaka University Branch President Mazharul Kabir Shayan, and General Secretary Tanveer Hasan Saikat led the campaign among students in different halls at Dhaka University.

Saddam Hossain said, "The Appellate Division has issued a status quo; currently, there is no quota in effect. Progress towards a favorable solution is underway. Chhatra League is committed to advocating for a logical resolution to the quota issue through reform."