Dhaka University Closes Indefinitely Amid Violent Quota Reform Protests
Dhaka, July 18: Dhaka University has been closed indefinitely following violent protests over the quota system in government jobs, resulting in at least six deaths, including three students, across Bangladesh. The university’s administration ordered students to vacate their dormitories by 6 pm Wednesday, after an emergency meeting led by Vice Chancellor ASM Maksud Kamal.
Pro-VC Prof Sitesh C Bachar confirmed the decision, citing student safety concerns. However, the closure prompted further protests, with students gathering at the VC’s residence.
The unrest began as students nationwide demanded reforms to the quota system for government job recruitment, which they argue restricts meritorious candidates. On Monday, clashes erupted between protesters and activists from the ruling Awami League’s student wing, leading to violent confrontations. Police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds.
In response to the escalating violence, the University Grants Commission (UGC) directed all universities to suspend academic activities and instructed students to vacate residential halls. The directive followed the Supreme Court’s July 10 status quo on a High Court judgement that declared a 2018 government circular, which abolished job quotas, illegal.
Protests have paralyzed four major cities—Dhaka, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Chattogram—blocking highways and railways. Demonstrators accuse the Bangladesh Chhatra League of attacking their peaceful protests with police support.
Students from Dhaka University have been leading the week-long protests, demanding that government job seats be allocated based on merit rather than the current quota system. The existing system reserves 30% of jobs for the descendants of 1971 Liberation War veterans, 10% for administrative districts, 10% for women, 5% for ethnic minorities, and 1% for the physically handicapped. Annually, around 3,000 government jobs are available for nearly 400,000 graduates.
The ongoing turmoil has drastically disrupted daily life in the capital, with major traffic gridlocks and widespread student unrest.
Original Story https://assamtribune.com/international/dhaka-university-closed-indefinitely-1544478
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