Jahangirnagar: The authorities of Jahangirnagar University (JU) have decided to abolish the ward quota in the admission test for the first year of the university.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the decision was made following continuous protests by university students demanding the abolition of the ward quota. The announcement was made by JU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr. Kamrul Ahsan in front of the administrative building around 12:15 am, in the presence of the protesting students.
A committee was also announced to provide recommendations for offering institutional facilities to the teachers, officers, and employees of the university. This development follows demands made earlier by the students for the abolition of the quota system in the admission test to the Vice Chancellor.
In response to these demands, the university administration had previously canceled the freedom fighters’ grandchildren quota, the VC quota, and made some reforms in the ward quota system. Despite these changes, students initiated a hunger strike under the banner of the Anti Discrimination Student Movement last Sunday, calling for the complete abolition of the ward quota.
Although the university authorities made further reforms, leading to the suspension of the hunger strike on Monday night, the issue remained contentious. University officers and employees began their agitation yesterday morning, demanding the maintenance of the ward quota as per the previous rule. Their demonstration, which started at 12 noon in front of the administration building, led to confrontations with students advocating for quota abolition.
In a counter-protest, students resumed their movement at 1:30 pm, demanding the complete removal of the ward quota system. By 2 pm, they organized a procession from the Bottola area, eventually gathering in front of the administration building. JU Vice-Chancellor then engaged with the students, requesting four hours to resolve the issue. After consultations with the Central Admission Management Committee, the decision to abolish the ward quota was finalized.