Dhaka: A delegation of students and job seekers submitted a memorandum to the President on July 14 last year, demanding a rational reform in the quota system for public jobs. The memorandum urged the President to convene an urgent parliamentary session within 24 hours to address their demand or to issue an executive order.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the delegation entered the President’s official residence, Bangabhaban, at approximately 2:35 pm to submit the memorandum to the President’s military secretary. Before their entry, police had set up barricades at various points en route to prevent hundreds of students from marching to the residence, allowing only a 12-member delegation to proceed.
The memorandum recommended a 24-hour timeframe for enacting a law to reform the quota system, reducing it to five percent exclusively for the backward section of society. Nahid Islam, a key coordinator of the movement, emphasized the urgency of their demand and warned of intensified protests if the case filed against demonstrators was not withdrawn.
Students from multiple institutions, including Dhaka University and Jagannath University, participated in the march. Similar memorandums were submitted across the country to the President through District Commissioners. However, tensions escalated when Chhatra League reportedly attacked students at Chittagong University for their involvement in the protests.
Protests also unfolded at Jahangirnagar University and other locations, with processions and human chains forming to press their demand. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina held a press conference at her residence, Ganabhaban, dismissing the possibility of reforming the quota system via executive order. Her remarks, particularly concerning the term “Razakar,” sparked widespread outrage.
The High Court’s full verdict upholding quota retention was published on the Supreme Court’s website, stating that the government could alter the quota system if desired. The then Home Minister commented on the students’ ultimatum, suggesting misunderstandings and external instigations behind the movement. Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque indicated that the Cabinet would discuss the quota reform issue.
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader accused BNP and its allies of attempting to politicize the movement against the government. In response to the Prime Minister’s statements, students at Dhaka University launched late-night demonstrations, gathering in significant numbers at TSC.
Female students from various halls joined the protests, chanting slogans and demanding their rights. The demonstrations continued late into the night, and three Chhatra League leaders resigned from the organization via social media. Despite attempts by Chhatra League activists to block student participation, the protests persisted.