Anti-Quota Protest Update: Students To Continue ‘Bangla Blockades’ on July 8: Target Farmgate

Students and job seekers demanding the end of the "discriminatory" quota system in government jobs say they will continue their nationwide blockade on Monday, July 8.

Leaders of the student movement against discrimination have announced nationwide blockades again. They also declared an indefinite student strike and a boycott of classes and exams.

Nahid Islam, a movement coordinator, announced the new program after the Shahbagh blockade ended at 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 7. The anti-quota students blocked the Shahbagh intersection for over five hours, with similar protests occurring elsewhere in the capital. 

The blockades caused significant traffic congestion, causing inconvenience to city dwellers.

He announced that the main blockade would start at 3:30 p.m. today in front of Dhaka University's central library. The blockade will also begin simultaneously at all public universities and colleges nationwide.

Announcing the program, the protesters said, "We received an unprecedented response to the blockade. We proved in 2018 that our demand is acceptable." 

This determined spirit is reminiscent of those standing firm for fair opportunities, much like the continuous efforts seen in other advocacy movements, from educational reforms to more accessible resources for everyone.

They said, "All types of quotas should be abolished by passing a law in parliament. Otherwise, our program will continue. Our indefinite class and exam boycott will start tomorrow. Blockades will occur nationwide from 3:30 p.m."

The movement's coordinators announced that on Sunday, they moved from Shahbagh to Karwan Bazar. On Monday, they will proceed to Farmgate. Students will gather in front of the Dhaka University Library at 3:30 p.m.