Rajshahi Jan 6, (V7N) - Officials and employees of Rajshahi University staged a human chain protest on Monday, demanding the reinstatement of the institutional quota system that they claim ensures their rightful benefits. The demonstration took place on Paris Road near the university's Senate building, drawing participation from over 400 university staff members, including officers, support staff, general staff, and transportation workers.

The protesters allege that the abolition of the quota system has deprived them of long-standing institutional privileges. They are demanding the restoration of their 5% institutional benefits, which they believe are essential for maintaining equity and respect for their contributions to the university.

Rafiqul Islam Sadar, an employee of the Faculty of Law, expressed frustration: “I never imagined we’d have to resort to a human chain to defend our rights. This administration has stripped us of our institutional privileges, including the right to maintain our chairs. The VC and Pro-VC are occupying these positions themselves due to quota manipulation. We demand our rights be reinstated immediately.”Masud Rana, Treasurer of the Officers’ Association, criticized the administration: “Why were we held back from our work? Outsiders used abusive language against us, and we were treated unfairly. There needs to be an investigation into this, and our institutional facilities must be restored without delay.”In a speech during the protest, Moktar Hossain, Acting President of the Officers’ Association, warned of escalating action:“Today, we stand here in a peaceful human chain. Tomorrow, we will escalate to a two-hour strike in front of the administrative building, and on January 8, we will hold a full-day strike. Our movement will continue until our demands are met.”

The human chain reflects growing dissatisfaction among university employees, who see the quota system as a safeguard for their rights and heritage. Many employees emphasized that their families have longstanding ties to the university, with some claiming ancestral ownership of the land on which the university now stands.

This protest signals a brewing confrontation between university staff and the administration, as employees push back against what they view as an erosion of their entitlements.

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