Teachers and administrative officials at Rajshahi University (RU) launched a full-day work stoppage on Sunday (21 September), demanding reinstatement of the “dependent quota” for institutional benefits and punishment for those involved in Saturday’s scuffle with faculty members.
Starting at 9:30 am, teachers and officials gathered at the university’s Buddhijibi Chattar to stage their sit-in, vowing to continue the protest until their demands are met.
On Saturday (20 September), clashes broke out between teachers and students over the quota issue, prompting faculty and officials to announce the strike that evening.
Professor Moktar Hossain, president of the RU Officers’ Association, said, “While other universities in Bangladesh have institutional benefits, Rajshahi University has been deprived. We will continue our movement until a fair investigation and justice are ensured for yesterday’s attack on our colleagues.”
The ongoing protest has exempted all activities related to the upcoming Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU) elections. “We are hopeful about the RUCSU polls and want them to go ahead, which is why all election activities remain outside the scope of our strike,” Professor Hossain added.
Meanwhile, the university’s Syndicate is scheduled to hold an emergency meeting at the Senate Building at 11:30 am Sunday to discuss the teachers’ and officials’ demands and the current campus situation.
