Quota reform protest

A mother's appeal to another

A distressed Saleha Begum struggled to hold back tears as she begged for the release of her only son Muhammad Rashed Khan, a quota movement leader under arrest since July 1.
BCL actions outrageous

When a group of teachers was staging a rally at Dhaka University yesterday against repression on students and teachers, Chhatra League men assaulted some quota reformists on the campus of Chittagong University.
Flawed logic for quota

The government has been referring to a Supreme Court “order” on the reservation of 30 percent quota for the children of freedom fighters for the last few days, arguing that it cannot be changed.
Committee for quota review may seek 90 more days

The committee formed on July 2 to “review, reform or cancel” the quota system for civil service may seek 90 more working days as it has not finished collecting information and reviewing reports about the system, sources said.
FF Officials' Benefits: Govt yet to implement HC verdict

Freedom fighters who won a legal battle six years ago are yet to get their retirement benefits for public service as the government has not implemented the court's verdict.
JU philosophy dept students protest attacks on quota reformists

A section of students of Jahangirnagar University’s Philosophy department protests the recent spate of attacks on some teachers and students demanding reformation in the existing quota system in civil service.
Teachers, students stage protests

“The university is the place of practicing freethinking where everyone has the right to express their opinions. But such attacks on the campus are not acceptable,” he said.
I want my boy back

Shahana Begum was frequently turning to have a look at the photo of her son printed on the banner. But every time she did it, tears welled up in her eyes making it difficult for her to start the press conference.
Tarek was being followed, parents claim

Quota reformist leader Tarek Rahman was being followed by men in plainclothes before he went missing Saturday, his parents claim. This is not the first time that a quota reform leader is missing in Dhaka.
Quota Movement: DU, RU given legal notices over attacks by BCL men

Thirteen Supreme Court lawyers yesterday sent legal notices to the authorities of Dhaka and Rajshahi universities to inform them in 24 hours what action has been taken against the BCL men for attacks on students demanding quota reform in public jobs.
Quota Movement: Three leaders sent to jail after remand

A Dhaka court yesterday sent three leaders of the quota reform movement to jail on completion of their two-day police remand.
Clarify your stance

Eminent citizens yesterday called upon the government to make clear its position over the quota system in civil service, in the wake of repeated assault and arrest of quota reformists in the past few days.
Arrest admitted after daylong DMP denial

Following denial throughout the day, police yesterday evening admitted arresting a quota reform leader from the capital's Shantinagar.
FF quota to stay

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said it is not possible to reform the freedom fighters' quota in public jobs due to a High Court verdict.
Never said outsiders are barred

The Dhaka University authorities yesterday claimed they never said “outsiders were prohibited on campus”.
No scope for changing the 30pc quota

Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque yesterday said there is no scope for bringing changes to the 30 percent freedom fighters' quota in public jobs because of a Supreme Court order.
No outsider allowed!

The Dhaka University authorities yesterday said no outsider will be allowed to roam or stay on the campus without prior permission, a move that goes against the very character of the country's premier university.
DU VC relates quota reformists to Taliban

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Akhtaruzzaman says the quota reformists are creating agitation at campus through “militancy style” propaganda.
Quota reform leader Rashed remanded again

Quota reform leader Rashed Khan has been taken in for a second phase of remand grilling amidst countrywide outcry demanding his unconditional release.
Injured Toriqul being brought to Dhaka

Quota reform leader Toriqul Islam, who was brutally beaten up by BCL men on July 2, is being brought to Dhaka from Rajshahi for better treatment.
Quota Reform: Committee holds 1st meet today

The seven-member committee formed “to review or reform or cancel” the quota system for the civil service will sit for its first meeting today.
'What an ordeal I am facing'

With bandages from toe to thigh on his right leg and eight stitches on left side of his head, Toriqul Islam is unable to turn to any side while lying in his hospital bed.
Govt playing 'dubious role'

A group of guardians and other citizens yesterday accused the government of playing a dubious role on the quota issue.
Every moment felt like hell

Her eyes were full of fury and voice quivered with rage. She looked frustrated and also a bit traumatised while narrating the physical assault, verbal abuse and mental torture she endured at the hands of those against quota reform and police.
'Gave up hope for life'

With two bones of his legs broken, eight stitches on his head and bruises all over the body, Toriqul Islam lies still on his hospital bed. His right leg plastered up to his thigh, he looks absolutely helpless.
Just arrest!

Not only there has been no action against the BCL men who beat up quota reformists at different universities, a group of citizens who tried to stage a peaceful protest against the attacks were dispersed in police action yesterday.
Commentary: Why this merciless beating?

Under what law, by what right, is the BCL beating up the students? Why are the police a mere spectator in all this? On Monday, police were seen leaving the Shaheed Minar just as they saw the BCL men coming to attack the protesters. Reportedly, a number of female students were also manhandled and even kicked. Was it a case of law enforcers leaving the ground so the law breakers could have their way?
Committee formed for quota review

Government high ups are considering civil service quota reforms, said Cabinet Secretary M Shafiul Alam yesterday.
Quota Movement: BCL swoops on reformists

At least seven members of the platform demanding civil service quota reforms, including its two leaders, were beaten allegedly by a group of BCL activists in front of Dhaka University Library yesterday.
No progress on quota gazette

There has been no progress regarding the publication of a gazette abolishing the quotas in government jobs, the cabinet secretary has said as the deadline set by demonstrators expired yesterday.