Dhaka, Feb 04 (V7N) – Jahangirnagar University (JU) has turned into a battleground of protests as students demand the complete abolition of the "pet quota" system, which reserves admission spots for the children of teachers, officials, and employees.

On Tuesday afternoon, students took out a protest march from the university's Battala area around 2 PM, locking the administrative building and effectively confining officials and staff inside. The protesters have vowed to continue their demonstration until the quota is abolished entirely.

Students Demand Immediate Abolition

The protesting students argue that the pet quota system undermines meritocracy and allows unqualified candidates to gain admission. Though the JU administration had announced reforms to the quota system a day earlier, the students have rejected the reforms, demanding its complete removal.

“We believe that the pet quota for the children of university teachers, officials, and employees has no logical basis. Admission should be based purely on merit,” said Nibir Bhuiyan, a student from the History Department, who has been at the forefront of the protests.

Counter-Protests by University Staff

Earlier in the day, around 11 AM, university officers and employees staged their own protest in front of the administrative building, demanding the full restoration of the pet quota.

Tensions flared when students alleged that posters demanding the cancellation of the quota were torn down by opposing groups. The situation escalated further when a student was reportedly pushed during a confrontation.

Strike Declared by University Staff

In response to the student protests, the Jahangirnagar University Officers and Employees Unity Council has announced a continuous strike starting from tomorrow, demanding the reinstatement of all conditions related to the pet quota.

The students, however, claim that university teachers are backing the staff's movement and that there is strong resistance from within the administration to abolish the quota system.

As the standoff continues, the university administration remains silent on whether it will reconsider its stance. Meanwhile, both sides remain firm, setting the stage for further unrest on campus.

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