RU Correspondent:
The campus of Rajshahi University (RU) and its adjoining areas have become heated again. In the past few months, the Dhaka-Rajshahi highway has come to a standstill due to the spontaneous participation of students in various rational demands and the burning of tires on the highway. The main driving force of this movement was the trial of the attackers, quota reform and opposition to the discriminatory quota system.
The focus of the protest was when the students, ‘Fire and Slogan’, took up positions in the Kajla and Binodpur Gate areas to protest by burning tires to press for their demands. The entire area became filled with the roar of flames and sky-high slogans. As a result, the main road connection between North Bengal and the capital Dhaka was cut off several times. Main events behind the movement On the highway with their demands! Three main reasons have emerged behind this anger of the students! Background of the movement.
November 20, 2025 Masked Attack Students set fire to Kajla Gate demanding justice in protest against the sudden attack by miscreants wearing helmets and masks on ordinary students. September 2025 Pet Quota Issue! Students surrounded the Vice Chancellor’s residence and took to the streets to protest the decision to reinstate pet quota in the university. July 2024 Historic Quota Reform! As part of the anti-discrimination student movement, a long-term sit-in was held by blocking the Dhaka-Rajshahi highway and railway line.
Main demands of the students”The agitating students have made it clear that they will not leave the streets until their demands are met. Their notable demands are! Immediate arrest of the attackers on students: Bringing criminals identified by looking at CCTV footage under the law. Abolition of all kinds of unreasonable quotas! Ensuring recruitment on the basis of merit. Ensuring security on campus! Providing protection to students from outsiders and miscreants.
“We want to return to the study table, but we have been forced to take to the streets. “This movement will not stop until our security and rights are ensured.” — An angry student. Current situation! The protests have also led to unwanted incidents such as clashes with locals and blockade of railway lines. Despite repeated assurances from the university administration, the students have announced to continue the program until effective action is taken.
Currently, the situation is tense in the area and additional police have been deployed. There have also been incidents of arson during the blockade of the railway line and clashes with locals. In these protests, the students raised various demands including the immediate arrest of the culprits and a 3-point demand.