Tensions flare at Rajshahi University as students clash with faculty over ‘dependent quota’

Tensions have escalated at Rajshahi University following protests by students against the reintroduction of the “dependent quota” in admissions, a policy that grants preferential admission to children of faculty and staff members. On Saturday afternoon, a confrontation took place between students and faculty members outside the Zubery Bhawan as the latter attempted to force their way inside. The clash resulted in injuries to several students and journalists. The protests began on Friday afternoon when nine students initiated a hunger strike in front of the university administration building, demanding the cancellation of the quota. By 2:30pm on Saturday, when Prof Mohammad Main Uddin, the university’s pro-vice-chancellor, arrived at the administrative building, students blocked his vehicle, shouting slogans against the policy. They...