Students block Dhaka-Tangail highway to demand cancellation of quotas

Students of Mawlana Bhashani University of Science and Technology blocked the Dhaka-Tangail highway, demanding the cancellation of the quota system in government recruitment.

More than 300 students took up positions at Ashekpur on the highway and began protesting around 10:30 pm. They blocked vehicular traffic to press their demands, leading to huge traffic jams on both lanes.

However, they interrupted their programme around 12 noon, after demonstrating for an hour and a half.

Armed with banners and festoons, the student agitators chanted various slogans in support of their demands during their presence on the road.

Taufiqur Rahman, a protesting student, expressed his discontent over the quota system. He said the country was liberated to get rid of discrimination. The students rose up today to ensure that there is no more discrimination here.

He said a large number of students are suffering from frustration after failing to get jobs. They are now being treated unfairly by the reinstatement of the quota system in public employment.

They therefore demanded a reform of the quota system.

Lokman Hossain, in-charge of Tangail Sadar police station, said the students left the highway after an hour and a half and vehicular traffic resumed later.