Attempt to Reinstate Nepotism Quota at RU Sparks Student Protest at Shahid Habibur Rahman Hall

Rajshahi: Residential students of Shahid Habibur Rahman Hall at the University of Rajshahi (RU) held a protest on Saturday (August 23) at the main gate of the hall to oppose attempts to reinstate the nepotism quota. Students raised slogans such as “No quota, merit, merit, merit,” “Direct action against nepotism quota,” and “No more tears of the meritorious.”

The students alleged that although the nepotism quota had been settled, certain political and administrative groups were trying to manipulate RU to bring it back. They emphasized, “There will be no nepotism quota, and RAKSU will continue.”

Sajib Khan, a student of Shahid Habibur Rahman Hall, said that attempts were made to turn RU into a family-run university through the nepotism quota, but general students thwarted this. Another student, Md. Raihan Hossain, added, “A blueprint called ‘1 percent vs. RAKSU’ is being created involving political stakeholders. We do not want this irrational demand to be implemented.”

Residential student Ahmad Ahsanullah Farhan stated, “After 35 years, RAKSU was progressing toward implementation, but some teachers and officials are trying to obstruct it. Just like the July movement, we will fight against the nepotism quota and warn the teachers—if they attempt to reinstate the quota, we will take action against the administration as well.”