RU’s Shahid Habibur Rahman Hall Students Protest Against Ward Quota

Residential students of Shahid Habibur Rahman Hall at Rajshahi University (RU) staged a protest against alleged attempts to reinstate the ward quota system. The demonstration took place at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the hall’s main gate. During the protest, students chanted slogans such as “Quota no, merit yes, merit merit,” “Direct action against ward quota,” “No more tears for the meritorious, no more,” “If you want alms, take alms, drop the quota thought,” and “ward quota in the grave, why are they out?”

The students stated that the ward quota is a settled issue. They alleged that attempts are being made to reinstate it by holding the Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU) hostage. They vowed to unite across party lines, as they did during the July movement, to build a strong movement against the “evil force” of the ward quota. They declared, “There will be no ward quota, and RUCSU will happen.”

Sajib Khan, a residential student of Shahid Habibur Rahman Hall, said that after the ward quota was officially abolished, it is now resurfacing due to the influence of unseen forces. He claimed that attempts were made to turn RU into a “family university” through the ward quota, which general students successfully thwarted. He emphasized that they would not accept any excuses regarding RUCSU. Another student, Md. Raihan Hossain, stated that a blueprint is being crafted involving political stakeholders, pitting a 1 percent quota against RUCSU. He warned that they do not want this illogical demand to be implemented, and if those pushing for it are not dealt with, students will launch a movement against the administration as well.

Ahmad Ahsanullah Farhan, another residential student of the hall, said that after 35 years, RUCSU was on the path to realization, but some teachers and officials are trying to obstruct it. He asserted that just as they fought against the ward quota in the July movement, they will not accept any quota in the future. He added that both classes and RUCSU should proceed equally, and appealed to teachers who supported them during the July movement to stand by them again.